# Chris Ciabarra

Christopher Ciabarra is an American businessman who is the co-founder and former chief technology officer of Revel Systems which Ciabarra exited shortly after the company got a 500m evaluation. Ciabarra help raise over 100m in funding at Revel. Revel was a manufacturer of point-of-sale systems which Ciabarra created on the Apple iPad. Ciabarra founded Athena Security INC with Lisa Falzone after they sold their first company to private equity. Ciabarra also created Network Intercept, a Los Angeles security software firm. Ciabarra has provided Internet security advice worldwide and to the United States Department of Homeland Security. Ciabarra in 2018 co-founded Athena Security INC which has created a "Gun Detection System" to help save student lives around the world from active shooter situations. Ciabarra has also created at Athena: Temperature Checking System and a Walk Through Metal Detector to maintain public safety.

## Biography

He grew up in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, where he developed an early interest in technology. He received his first computer, a Franklin Ace 1000, in middle school and pursued programming and robotics classes at the Franklin Institute. Ciabarra's entrepreneurial roots go back to the age 16, selling candy out of his backpack in high school and in college he fixed and sold websites. He earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science in 2000 from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He received his Master of Business Administration in 2004 from Alvernia University with support from his employer, GPU (now FirstEnergy).

## Career
### Early career

Ciabarra began his professional journey at GPU, where he advanced from IT support to roles in network engineering and cybersecurity. His interest in data security deepened after GPU's electricity distribution system was hacked in 2005, an event that inspired him to start his own cybersecurity company, Network Intercept.
Ciabarra founded Network Intercept, a security software firm based in Los Angeles. At Network Intercept, he served as president, CEO, and security specialist.
Ciabarra designed Interceptor.net, Scan-on-the-Go Secure, Adrenaline cell phone app, and Nano-stealth. He has worked in the anti-hacker field and with PCI compliance.

### Revel Systems

Ciabarra founded Revel Systems with Lisa Falzone in 2010. Initially conceived as an ordering app, Revel Systems quickly pivoted to address customer demand for POS solutions. Ciabarra raised more than $100 million in venture funding, and achieved a valuation exceeding $500 million.
Ciabarra designed Revel Ethernet Connect, which provides failover connections between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. In 2016, Revel Systems was named the Leading iPad Point of Sale Company during Apple’s Q4 Financial Results Conference Call.

### Athena Security

In 2019, Ciabarra co-founded Athena Security with Lisa Falzone, a company focused on public safety solutions Athena developed a weapons detection system capable of identifying concealed firearms and other weapons using multiple sensors and advanced software. His system has been adopted by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.

### Other activities

Ciabarra is a certified thermographer for Temperature Detection Systems, he is a member of Forbes Technology Council and the International Frozen Yogurt Association. He has worked with the Evian Group in their efforts to prevent protectionism and collapse of trade. Ciabarra has written for publications in the technology and marketing industries including Payments Source. Ciabarra is also a licensed Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in Texas.

## Views and opinions
### Technology and security

Ciabarra is a vocal advocate for leveraging technology to improve security and efficiency. His work reflects a focus on proactive rather than reactive measures, particularly in cybersecurity. He believes businesses have a responsibility to protect customer data and maintain the integrity of their brands through robust security measures.

### Automation and IoT

Ciabarra is optimistic about the future of automation and IoT, predicting that these technologies will transform how businesses operate and interact with customers. He has highlighted innovations such as RFID-equipped shopping systems and automated drive-through services as examples of how IoT can streamline processes and enhance user experiences.

### Public Safety

He has expressed strong views on the need for technology-driven solutions to address gun violence and public safety. He believes that advanced threat detection systems, combined with visitor management systems that have real time alerts and actionable data, can play a critical role in preventing tragedies.