Vigilant Defenders by Nature

Chris Nyhuis is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vigilant, a cybersecurity services and technology company that specializes in identifying, isolating, and mitigating threats with unprecedented precision. A sought-after speaker and instructor on cyberwarfare, Chris brings over two decades of experience navigating the evolving threat landscape.

Chris holds multiple patents in detection technology, including the foundational FVDR (Forensically Validated Detection and Response) methodology that ensures data integrity across evolving detection systems. Under his leadership, Vigilant has maintained a zero-breach record across its entire client base.

Prior to founding Vigilant in 2009, Chris served as CISO of a national automotive data analytics company, where he developed groundbreaking methods for defending large-scale datasets against advanced cyber attacks. His career also includes defending SCADA infrastructure in the food supply chain and telecommunications industries.

A passionate philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Chris established Vigilant's mission-driven business model, directing 25% of the company's profits toward orphan care and anti-human trafficking efforts worldwide.

Katie Nyhuis is the Co-Founder of Vigilant and serves as CEO of Vigilant Hope, the company's philanthropic mission dedicated to orphan care and combating human trafficking worldwide. Under Katie's leadership, Vigilant Hope channels 25% of Vigilant's profits into organizations fighting for vulnerable children across the globe.

Katie was instrumental in building Vigilant from the ground up, helping establish the operational foundation the company was built upon. Her naturally detail-oriented mindset and commitment to excellence shaped the culture that defines Vigilant today.

Through Vigilant Hope, Katie oversees partnerships with international organizations supporting foster care, orphan advocacy, and anti-child-slavery initiatives - transforming Vigilant's commercial success into real-world impact for the most vulnerable populations.

Outside of work, Katie is mom to three kids who share her passion for sports and who, she says, teach her more than books ever could.

Dan Beavin serves as Vigilant's Chief Operating Officer, leading the security services teams that deliver around-the-clock protection to Vigilant's clients. With deep expertise in both offensive and defensive security, Dan has spent his career helping organizations understand and defend against real-world threats.

Dan spent seven years in offensive security as an ethical hacker, conducting penetration tests and red team operations for companies across industries worldwide. That attacker's perspective has proven invaluable - because understanding how adversaries think is the first step to stopping them.

His operational leadership ensures Vigilant's SOC runs with precision 24/7/365. Throughout his career, Dan has worked with organizations to develop defensive countermeasures, deliver offensive security services, and build internal security teams from the ground up.

Vigilant's mission around orphan care, foster support, and fighting human trafficking is a driving force for Dan personally. When not at work, he spends time with his wife and two boys - building with LEGOs and racing Hot Wheels.

Miguel Lopez serves as Vigilant's Chief Financial Officer, responsible for crafting winning business strategies and delivering superior financial results. A recognized change agent, Miguel brings broad financial leadership experience gained through senior positions at Procter & Gamble.

Miguel's strategic financial oversight ensures that Vigilant's growth is sustainable, disciplined, and mission-aligned - including the company's commitment to directing 25% of profits toward Vigilant Hope initiatives. He takes particular pride in seeing Vigilant's values reflected directly in its financial decisions.

Originally from Mexico, Miguel came to the United States over twenty years ago and maintains deep connections to his extended family there. Outside of Vigilant, he and his wife Kate are the proud parents of their son Alex.