Skip Navigation LinksHome :: About Us

About Us

xDefenders is a team of information security professionals focused on helping organizations protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems, networks and information assets.

xDefenders is focused on a personalized approach to security that recognizes that technology is only part of the solution. People, policies and practices are important elements that help mitigate risk and must be addressed in the solution.

The team has decades of Enterprise Computing and Security experience and can offer proven advice and guidance to organizations of any size. Often, we leverage the cost- advantages of Linux and Open-Source to deliver solid, security value. We follow the ISO model and work with clients to satisfy their compliance requirements.
  1. Security Policy Creation and Employee Awareness Programs
  2. Security Audits, Gap Analysis, Risk Assessments
  3. Variety of Vulnerability Assessments
  4. Internet Content Filters and Application Firewalls
  5. Intrusion Detection & Prevention, Escalation Planning
  6. Managed Security and Network Services, 24x7
  7. Hosted Security Services, 24x7

Credentials and Expertise:

  • Information security legislation; GLB, NCUA, HIPAA, PCI, Homeland Security Act, NYS Security Policy, CIPA and SOX.
  • CISSP - Certified Information Security System Professional
  • CIPA - Certified Information Security Auditor
  • ISO 27001 and PCI Security Standards
  • CERT - Computer Emergency Response Center
  • CIS - Center for Internet Security Benchmarks
  • 2007 and 2008 ZixCorp "partner-of-the-year"
  • Modern and up-to-date security tool-kits and techniques
  • Vendor Certifications; Cisco, ZixCorp, Symantec, SonicWall, Microsoft, others

Financial Stability and Success:

Acquired by Synergy Global Solutions in April of 2007.

The Company was founded in 2003. xDefenders was launched to focus on the growing need for focused Information Security Services. xDefenders has security clients in almost every state. The Company was acquired by Synergy Global Solutions in April of 2007 and will be an ESOP company in 2010. The Company provides Professional Security Services and Managed Security Services, featuring its own DefenderWall Family of Security Appliances, Cisco Security, ZixCorp, Symantec and other highly regarded security vendors.

Management Team

Ray Hutch, CEO - Synergy Global Solutions

Ray founded the Company in 1971. Synergy is an Information Technology Services and Solutions Company. Synergy has over 200 employees and revenues exceed $50 million. Synergy has multiple sales and services offices across Upstate NY. The Company is a major supplier of Cisco, HP, IBM, Microsoft technologies.

Jeff Thon, VP - Business Development

Jeff was an original founder of xDefenders in 2003. He was in charge of Sales and Marketing, helping to generate all of the clients and millions of dollars of revenue. Jeff was one of the original founders of x.tier, an Enterprise Solutions Integrator, focusing on Java Applications, Oracle databases, Sun and Cisco platforms and later sold to NetSetGo. Jeff began his sales career with IBM in Buffalo. He has enjoyed success working with many clients across Upstate NY representing IBM, Memorex, StorageTek and Sun. He understands a client's business goals, needs, modern technology, and how it applies to business success. He is an Economics Graduate of Hobart College.

Thomas Bullinger, VP - Technical Operations, CISSP

Thomas was an original founder of xDefenders in 2003. He was in charge of Engineeering and Technical Security Operations. Thomas was the Chief Security Architect for Choice One Communications in Rochester, NY. He designed and implemented the security environment over Choice One's national network. Prior to that, Thomas was a key technologist for x.tier and involved in firewall deployments for Telergy, M&T Bank, Concentrix, Tower Group, and Reciprocal. He was involved with EDS in support of network management and implementations. Thomas, a CISSP, is an expert with Linux and open source tools. He has certifications with Sun, Cisco (CCNA, CCNP), Checkpoint, and others. He has programming skills and provides excellent documentation. Thomas holds masters degrees in Theology and History.

Security/ Network Operations Centers

Located in Rochester and Buffalo NY are state-of-the-art network and security management and monitoring facilities that are staffed 24x7x365. The professional staff uses modern technology to identify alerts and escalate according to client policy. A Client Portal is available to view reports and set configurations. Each facility is a secure Data-Center with redundant power, services and trained staffed.