Chris Ciabarra
Christopher Ciabarra | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, technology executive |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Co-founder and former CTO of Revel Systems; co-founder of Athena Security INC; founder of Network Intercept |
Christopher Ciabarra is an American entrepreneur and co-founder who formerly served as the chief technology officer of Revel Systems. He departed the company soon after it achieved a valuation of $500 million. Throughout his tenure, Ciabarra was instrumental in securing upwards of $100 million in investment capital for Revel, a company specializing in point-of-sale technology utilizing the Apple iPad. Following the sale of Revel to private equity investors, he partnered with Lisa Falzone to establish Athena Security INC. Additionally, Ciabarra founded Network Intercept, a cybersecurity firm based in Los Angeles, and has offered expertise on Internet security issues both internationally and to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
In 2018, Ciabarra co-founded Athena Security INC, which developed a "Gun Detection System" designed to mitigate active shooter threats in educational institutions globally. Athena’s suite of safety solutions also encompasses a Temperature Checking System and a Walk-Through Metal Detector, both aimed at bolstering public security measures.
Biography
Raised in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, Ciabarra cultivated an early fascination with technology. His first computer arrived during middle school, and he honed his skills in programming and robotics at the Franklin Institute. His entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager selling candy in high school and creating websites throughout college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and later attained an MBA from Alvernia University in 2004, supported by his employer GPU (currently known as FirstEnergy).
Early career
Ciabarra’s professional path started at GPU, where he progressed from IT support roles into network engineering and cybersecurity positions. His dedication to data protection intensified after GPU’s electricity distribution infrastructure suffered a cyberattack in 2005. This incident inspired him to launch Network Intercept, a cybersecurity enterprise headquartered in Los Angeles. At Network Intercept, he held the roles of president, CEO, and lead security expert.
He was responsible for developing several security-focused products such as Interceptor.net, Scan-on-the-Go Secure, the Adrenaline mobile application, and Nano-stealth technology—all designed to enhance anti-hacking defenses and ensure PCI compliance.
Revel Systems
In 2010, Ciabarra co-established Revel Systems alongside Lisa Falzone. Initially created as an ordering application, Revel swiftly transitioned into providing POS solutions in response to market needs. Ciabarra played a key role in attracting over $100 million in venture funding, which propelled the company’s valuation beyond $500 million.
He also developed Revel Ethernet Connect, a technology that facilitates seamless failover between Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. In 2016, Apple publicly acknowledged Revel Systems as the foremost iPad POS provider during its Q4 Financial Results Conference Call.
Athena Security
In 2019, Ciabarra partnered with Lisa Falzone to establish Athena Security, a company dedicated to enhancing public safety. Athena Security created a sophisticated weapons detection platform that utilizes an array of sensors and software to identify hidden firearms and other potential dangers. This innovative solution has been implemented by organizations such as Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.
Other activities
Ciabarra holds certification as a thermographer for Temperature Detection Systems and is an active member of both the Forbes Technology Council and the International Frozen Yogurt Association. He has participated in initiatives opposing protectionism through the Evian Group and has published articles in technology and marketing outlets including Payments Source. Furthermore, Ciabarra possesses a Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator license in the state of Texas.
Technology and security
Ciabarra promotes leveraging technology to improve security and operational effectiveness, placing strong emphasis on preventive cybersecurity strategies. He believes it is essential for companies to safeguard customer information and maintain brand reputation by implementing robust security measures.
Automation and IoT
With a positive outlook on automation and the IoT, Ciabarra anticipates these advancements will transform business workflows and enhance customer engagement. He points out developments such as RFID-enabled retail systems and automated drive-through services as examples of how IoT can optimize processes and elevate user satisfaction.
Public Safety
Ciabarra endorses technology-based approaches to reduce gun violence and strengthen public safety. He supports the integration of cutting-edge threat detection technologies with real-time visitor management systems as effective tools for incident prevention.