Our Mission
To protect vulnerable community organizations like schools, churches, small businesses, and veterans from digital threats through accessible cybersecurity education, resources, and support.
Our Vision
We envision a community where essential organizations—schools, churches, small businesses, and veteran groups—are empowered with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the digital world, secure and resilient against cyber threats regardless of their resources.
Our Story / Why We Exist
CyberDefense Firm was born from a unique intersection of experience and purpose. Our founder, Chris Hilton Sr., brings decades of hands-on technology and business management experience dating back to 1996, combined with the perspective of an honorably discharged, 100% service-disabled veteran of Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Through years working in technology, and with a specific focus on cybersecurity since 2018, Chris saw a critical gap: the very organizations that form the backbone of our communities – schools nurturing the next generation, churches providing spiritual support, small businesses driving the local economy, and fellow veterans serving each other – were increasingly falling victim to cyber threats. These vital groups often operate with limited budgets and lack dedicated IT staff, making them prime targets for attackers who know commercial cybersecurity solutions are often out of reach.
Witnessing this disparity, and driven by a continued commitment to service learned through military experience, Chris felt compelled to act. The mission became clear: level the digital playing field. Protecting these essential community pillars felt like a natural extension of serving the country.
CyberDefense Firm was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation precisely because accessibility is paramount. Our goal is to ensure that cost is never a barrier for these vital organizations to get the trustworthy cybersecurity help they need. By operating on the support of community donations and grants, we can offer our expertise without the jargon and high price tags, focusing purely on providing real protection and empowerment. We are here to be a dedicated partner in securing our community’s digital future.
Our Values
- Service: Commitment to serving our community and those who protect it.
- Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency, and trust.
- Clarity: Providing understandable, jargon-free advice and support.
- Accessibility: Ensuring vital cybersecurity help is available regardless of an organization’s budget.
- Empowerment: Equipping organizations with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
Our Approach
We believe cybersecurity shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating. Our approach focuses on practical, actionable steps tailored to the unique needs and resources of each organization we serve. We prioritize clear communication, realistic assessments, and building long-term digital resilience together.
Our Team
• Kevin J. Owens, President
- Kevin brings over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, with expertise in ICS/SCADA systems. He leads a cybersecurity consulting firm and actively supports community resilience through CERT leadership and nonprofit engagement.
• Sierra G. Hilton, Secretary & Treasurer
- With a background including a Bachelor’s in Psychology (University of Redlands), a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership (University of San Diego), and experience in roles like Graduate Assistant and Management Trainee, Sierra contributes strong organizational oversight and leadership perspective as Secretary and Treasurer.
• Juan Ford, Director-at-Large
- Juan brings a blend of formal education (Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Cybersecurity) and deep practical experience as an Information Security Engineer and active security researcher. His skills are validated by numerous industry certifications in offensive security disciplines.
• Chris P. Hilton, Sr., Founder & Executive Director
- Chris brings extensive technology and business management and ownership experience dating back to 1996, including past Microsoft (MCSE) and CompTIA certifications. He has focused specifically on cybersecurity since 2018 and is currently pursuing further education to deepen his expertise and effectively lead CyberDefense Firm’s mission.