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 cybersecurity experience, specializing in ICS/SCADA systems and critical infrastructure protection. He assesses both cyber and physical security threats from an adversary’s perspective, helping organizations strengthen their defenses across digital and physical environments. As a cybersecurity consultant, CERT leader, and instructor, Kevin is committed to building community resilience and empowering organizations to protect what matters most.
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 an in-progress Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity, various Microsoft (MCSE) and CompTIA certifications. He has focused specifically on cybersecurity since 2018 and, as reflected above, is currently pursuing further education at the prestigous SANS Technology Institute to deepen his expertise and effectively lead CyberDefense Firm’s mission.
Getting Started
CyberDefense Firm was established in 2025 to address a critical gap: vulnerable community organizations lack access to affordable cybersecurity expertise.
Our immediate focus is building partnerships with local schools, churches, and veteran organizations to deliver our first round of free cybersecurity assessments and training.
We’re currently seeking:
- Founding donors to support initial program delivery
- Volunteer cybersecurity professionals
- Partner organizations ready to pilot our services
- Grant funding to launch community programs
Where We Are
Our Launch Phase (2025)
CyberDefense Firm is in our founding year. While we’re a newly established 501(c)(3), our leadership brings decades of cybersecurity and community service experience.
Current Focus:
- Finalizing program curriculum and assessment tools
- Building volunteer network of cybersecurity professionals
- Establishing partnerships with school districts and faith communities
- Securing seed funding to launch free services
- Recruiting our first cohort of organizations to serve
Next Steps:
- Deliver first 10 free cybersecurity assessments (2025)
- Train 50+ staff members across pilot organizations (2025)
- Document outcomes and refine service model (2025-2026)
- Secure foundation grants for program expansion (2026)
We welcome early partners—both funders and organizations ready to pilot our services.