Join the Defense Grid

Become an official member of the Illinois Cyber Foundation and help us defend the Heartland through education, research, and community collaboration.

Member Benefits

100% FREE MEMBERSHIP

No fees. No hidden costs. Just a community dedicated to defending the Heartland.

Community Access

Join our Slack workspace with exclusive channels for members, including direct access to ILCF leadership and researchers.

Event Discounts

Receive discounted registration for BSides Peoria, training workshops, and other ILCF-sponsored cybersecurity events.

Priority Updates

Get early notifications about new research reports, threat intelligence, and community initiatives before public release.

Networking

Connect with cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and educators across Central Illinois and beyond.

Membership Application

Complete the form below to become an official ILCF member. All fields marked with * are required.

Format: 555-555-5555
Two-letter code (e.g., IL)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is membership free?

Yes! ILCF membership is completely free. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on community education and defense.

What happens after I submit this form?

You'll receive a welcome email with your Slack workspace invitation link. Join the workspace and introduce yourself in the #introductions channel!

Do I need to live in Illinois?

Not at all! While we focus on Central Illinois, we welcome members from anywhere who support our mission of community-driven cybersecurity education.

Can I join just for the newsletter?

Yes! If you prefer to just receive our research updates without full membership, you can subscribe to our newsletter on the Group 1818 page.