In the world of cyber security, true surprises are rare. Veterans of the industry—those who’ve spent years navigating breaches, insider threats, and corporate espionage—have usually seen it all. Yet the saga of Chris Hannifin and his San Antonio–based firm, DefendIT Services, has managed to do something unusual: leave even seasoned professionals speechless.
The Mystery Deepens
What began as whispers about irregular spending has since evolved into one of the industry’s most closely watched stories. Lavish vacations, new cars, luxury gadgets, even a fully outfitted trailer—Hannifin and his partner, Rudy Reyes, were suddenly living far beyond their apparent means. The question of how they could afford such a lifestyle soon became impossible to ignore.
When scrutiny mounted, Hannifin quietly shifted operations to a similarly named firm—DefendIT and Facilities Solutions LLC—a move that has only deepened the confusion. Are these two companies truly separate? Or is this simply a change of labels for the same enterprise? For now, the line remains blurry, and answers remain elusive.
Before the Spotlight
Years earlier, Chris Hannifin was just another mid-level cyber security specialist, respected but largely unknown. His background in the U.S. Air Force gave him a measure of credibility, especially in an industry built on trust and access to highly confidential data. But it was that very access that would later become the foundation of something far darker.
Hannifin’s résumé spanned multiple firms—North South Consulting Group, RSM, SiloTech, and others. At first, he appeared to be the model professional, cultivating strong relationships with leadership, including North South’s CEO, Krista Stevens. But behind the scenes, investigators now believe he was quietly collecting proprietary company data—information he would later sell to willing buyers.
A Scheme Takes Shape
Like many illicit ventures, it likely began small. Yet as the profits grew, so did Hannifin’s ambition. He realized that to fully control the operation, he needed his own front. That’s when he brought in Rudy Reyes, first as a colleague, then as a romantic partner, and together they launched DefendIT Services.
The firm presented itself as a legitimate cyber security outfit, but according to industry insiders, it became the vehicle for Hannifin’s increasingly bold activities. For a time, everything went smoothly. Then came the spending. Then came the questions. And that’s when everything began to crumble.
Still Unfolding
Today, the Hannifin case is still evolving—its next chapter uncertain. Within cyber security circles, the story serves as a cautionary tale: that even those entrusted with the keys to digital fortresses are not immune to temptation. What began as a quiet success story has become a gripping industry mystery—one that, by all accounts, is far from over.