About Us

About Us

Real People.
Real Solutions.

Achieving your business goals—that’s what we believe in. Difenda’s value-driven approach to cybersecurity puts your success first, without compromise.

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Cybersecurity First.
Microsoft Only.

OUR MISSION

At Difenda we relentlessly defend our customers against cyber risk and deliver outcomes through innovative cybersecurity services. The Difenda Shield goes beyond security tool integration for end-to-end security coverage. We connect businesses with real security data contextualized with your business’s needs to improve security posture and help inform security strategy.

With our passion for cybersecurity excellence and drive for security innovation we aspire to be the go-to Microsoft Managed Security Services Provider in North America.

MEET THE SHIELD

100+

Since 2008, Difenda has grown from a team of 5 to over 100.

1,000+

Difenda’s team has achieved thousands of security certifications.

10,000+

Over ten thousand people choose Difenda.

OUR HISTORY

The Story of Difenda

In 2008 our CEO, Manoj Arora saw the same issue over and over again—companies misled by the cybersecurity “leaders,” technology resellers promising the impossible, and vendors overselling functionality. There was no uniformity in the cybersecurity industry and it led to poor customer experience and unsecure security processes.

With Difenda, Manoj wanted to change that dynamic and focus specifically on the customer’s outcome. Through this journey, he made an important discovery. He saw that the future of cybersecurity needed to be an integrated, connected, and collaborative experience that unified departments and provided total visibility into the people, processes, and technology that drive companies forward.

Today, Difenda is recognized as a trusted authority when it comes to Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for IoT, and securing customer environments leveraging the power of Microsoft.

Meet Our Leadership
Our exponential growth, reputation for responsiveness to our clients, and vibrant corporate culture has ensured that we stay at the top of our industry. Manoj Arora, CEO of Difenda

The Difenda Difference

SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT
Discover what sets us apart

An End-to-End Cybersecurity Ally

Our expert team doesn’t just implement and configure your systems, we monitor, detect, respond, and continuously improve your security program to reduce your risk of cyber-attacks.

When you work with us, we consolidate your security architecture with a multi-layered approach to cyber security. This protects all of your attack surfaces while sharing the same threat prevention technologies, management services, and threat intelligence. Plus, we tap into your existing Microsoft enterprise licensing, reducing technical, procurement, and legal overhead.

We work exclusively with Microsoft to power a fully integrated service model that provides unmatched cybersecurity services and solutions. 

Our highly certified and globally recognized team holds multiple certifications and continues to advance our security protocols. We are one of very few Microsoft partners who have earned Microsoft Advanced Specializations in threat detection and cloud security and been awarded the most innovative managed detection and response service provider, and the market leader in governance, risk and compliance

Experience complete visibility into your cybersecurity program. Every Difenda customer can use the Difenda Shield Portal, a powerful web-based platform that provides organizations with the capabilities of a truly integrated technology stack. It enables a high level of visibility and automation where you can interact with various aspects of threats and make remediations which enhances response capabilities and mitigates the risk of a breach. This is key to our outcome-driven services.

Unlike the other guys, we offer customizable cyber security programs that can meet you wherever you are in your cybersecurity journey. We collaborate on modular services, flexible contracts and provide one-on-one support. Our team is hands-on in providing you with the knowledge on how we exploit elements of your environment. 

Our Values

The Heart of A Difender

Passionate

About Security. About People. About Innovation.

Humble

Everything we do is bigger than us.

Accountable

Extreme accountability builds trust and yields extraordinary results. ​

Inclusive

Diverse. Collaborative. Open. United.​

Agile

We challenge the status quo with open minds, focus and speed.

Company Timeline

FOUNDED
Paladion was established as a security consultancy, with its first office in Toronto, ON.
2013
STATE OF THE ART C3
Our first security operations center opened in Oakville, ON to provide 24/7/365 security protection for our customers.
2017
LAUNCHED THE DIFENDA SHIELD
Difenda takes an integrated and modular approach to cybersecurity with a unified platform that breaks through visibility barriers.
2018
EXPENDED INTO THE USA
The cross-channel initiative aimed to grow Difenda's market share by offering businesses a way to simplify and consolidate their security program.
2020
OUR TEAM DOUBLES
Difenda doubles our employees to help support the demand of our managed services.
2020
OPENED US OFFICE
Difenda follows its strong entrance into the US market with a new office in Phoenix, Arizona.
2021
LAUNCHED ON MICROSOFT MARKETPLACE
Difenda offerings achieve ‘Co-sell Ready’ status in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
2022
MXDR FOR OT
Difenda launched MDR for OT powered by Microsoft Defender for IoT to help critical infrastructure companies reduce cyber risks.
2022
MXDR VERIFIED
Difenda achieved Microsoft verified Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solution status.
2023
2008
ENTERED THE MSSP MARKET
Paladion expanded its capabilities to successfully strategize, implement and manage different security technologies.
2015
DIFENDA
Paladion rebranded to Difenda, establishing a new look reflecting its modern security approach.
2018
EXCLUSIVELY MICROSOFT
Difenda became Microsoft security focused, beginning their cybersecurity first, Microsoft only strategy.
2019
ESTABLISHED CISOC IN NB
Difenda set up a “cyber command center” in Fredericton, New Brunswick staffed with security experts.
2020
EXPANDED INTO INDIA
Difenda expands remote workforce to India to support their ever growing needs for security in the tech industry.
2021
JOINS MISA
Difenda became part of the MISA ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security partners to better defend against a world of increasing threats.
2021
LAUNCHED DIFENDA BUILD
We launched our first formal partner program to sell Difenda Shield directly or as a white-label offering.
2022
WON 3 GLOBAL INFOSEC AWARDS
Difenda won global InfoSec Awards in Vulnerability Management, GRC and MDR.
2023
NOMINATED FOR 2 MICROSOFT EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Difenda is a Security Service Innovator and Diversity in Security award finalist in the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards.

Awards & Certifications

Difenda Top 250 MSSP's 2022
Difenda Infosec award winner Cyber Defense Magazine
Editor's Choice Vulnerability Management
Difenda Infosec award winner 2022
Market Leader Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Difenda Infosec award winner 2022
Most Innovative Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service Provider
The Next-Gen Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
The Next-Gen Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
The Best Product in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
The Best Product in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
The Most Promising in Vulnerability Management
The Most Promising in Vulnerability Management
Top 250 MSSP’s
Top 250 MSSP’s
Top Developer by Revenue
Top Developer by Revenue
Top 100 Solution Providers
Top 100 Solution Providers
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Awards & Certifications

Difenda global infosec award winner 2021
The Next-Gen Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Difenda global infosec award winner 2021
The Best Product in Governance, Risk, & Compliance (GRC)
Difenda global infosec award winner 2021
The Most Promising in Vulnerability Management
Difenda Top 250 MSSP's 2021
Top 250 MSSP’s
Top Developer by Revenue
Top Developer by Revenue
Top 100 Solution Providers
Top 100 Solution Providers
Careers

Work for Difenda

Are you passionate to be part of a fast paced, winning cybersecurity team? Do you want to be a part of the incredible growth Difenda is bringing to the cybersecurity industry?

Difenda is looking for dedicated, action-oriented and committed team players to join the fastest growing organization in the industry – Difenda wants you!

Visit Careers
Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

VICE PRESIDENT
Security Operations
“Difenda has always been responsive to my needs as a cybersecurity leader, whether it is picking up the phone immediately, getting people to help in the middle of the night, or immediately escalating threats, they have always been there.“

PRIVACY OFFICER
Information Security
"You know that if you do need them, they are there to support you. Right now, I'm a team of one. So, I leverage them for me to do the [work they're doing], I don't have the cycles."



DIRECTOR
Security Operations
"Our VA program was stagnant and the only way to overcome the issue was to invest in more technologies which brought on more challenges. Difenda’s approach to their advanced vulnerability management service kept it simple & provided a continuous opportunity to stay ahead & focus on what was important for our company."
DIRECTOR
IT & Security
"Difenda has provided value by educating our board on the top challenges in the security industry. Not only did they share with us the roadmap of their ever evolving technologies but also worked with us to ensure our program was fit for future growth.

Strategic Partnerships

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Ken Perkins

Biography coming soon.

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Megan Miller

Megan Miller’s energy and passion for learning flow into all aspects of her work. As the Growth Manager, North America, she brings a background in sciences which she has transitioned to the tech sector in her role at Difenda.

With a Bachelors of Science in Geology, Megan is a lifelong learner who is voracious about learning anything she can get her hands on about cybersecurity. Her positive energy has built a sales strategy with a focus on expanding in the United States while nurturing the Canadian presence. She is responsible for recruiting and training the sales team. Together with the company’s leadership, she creates the sales process and the company’s product strategy in order to better serve the customer base. This ensures that our customers have a highly trained and highly motivated team to help them every step of the way, Megan has completed Microsoft SC-900 training and working towards mastering Microsoft.

Whether at work or play, Megan is fully committed. She took her love of hockey all the way to the semi-professional level as a competitive hockey player. Megan loves all things sports including water skiing, scuba diving, cycling, and snowboarding. She also enjoys time with family and reading about alternative energy, innovation, and cybersecurity.

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Natasha Phanor

As the Microsoft Partner Manager at Difenda, Natasha Phanor is responsible for driving growth within our Microsoft Partnership. With six years in the industry, she offers a fresh, energetic approach, and the ability to focus on our customer’s needs throughout the entire process. Natasha has the innate ability to foresee customer needs and solve problems before they arise, which creates a smooth road for each customer she encounters.

As the recipient of the Outstanding Services Partner of the Year Award in 2018, it is clear that Natasha responds quickly to customer needs, creates a platform for understanding a customer’s business requirements, and walks them through the process to ensure their complete satisfaction.

In her spare time, Natasha is as energetic and passionate as she is on the job. A self-proclaimed foodie-extraordinaire, she enjoys dinner parties, traveling, downhill skiing, hiking, biking, and reading. Natasha has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in Dance, from Ryerson University.

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Ian Miersch

Ian Miersch has energy to spare, and uses his eclectic background to make a positive mark on the cybersecurity industry. As Vice President of Finance & Human Resources, Ian Miersch is responsible for overseeing scalable business growth as Difenda expands throughout North America. But it is the way he does it that sets him apart. By leveraging his engineering background and critical thinking skills, he has been able to develop unique strategies that balance the company’s current business needs with its long-term growth plans. And the results of his unique background and drive mean that the company is growing in a fiscally responsible manner, all with the customer’s needs at the forefront.

With a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering, coupled with an MBA in Finance, both from McMaster University, Ian’s ability to analyze data and make informed decisions is augmented by his ability to understand all facets of the business. He has a holistic understanding of the craft, from operations to project delivery and management, to his niche in financial planning. Ian’s ten years of experience in the industry mean that he has seen it all, and knows how to create a dynamic team and manage the resources needed for success.

Outside of work, he uses his energy to help others through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, earning the Group Recreation Volunteer of the Year Status.

Ian also enjoys exploring and hiking with his three young children, exercising (so he can keep up with them), and reading professional development books. He is an avid but generally heartbroken fan of the Toronto sports teams, including the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors.

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Derek Nugent

Derek Nugent, Vice President, Revenue lives by the motto “Be early, be better.” Derek leads our Revenue team and is responsible for the customer’s journey with Difenda. His high energy level and creativity have built high performing teams, whether at the Herjavec Group, CDW, or in his current leadership role at Difenda.

After earning a Bachelor Administration and Management degree from the Academy of Learning, Derek started in the information technology industry in 2004 and transitioned to the cybersecurity industry in 2014. With so much experience in a wide-variety of roles, he is poised to take the team at Difenda to the next level.

He excels at leading revenue strategies, new market entry, partnership engagement, and customer acquisition and retention. His work ethic and interest in rising to the top motivate his sales teams, who respond well to his passion and zeal. Under his tutelage, they are able to achieve attractive lead generation, YOY growth, and sizable deals. Derek works tirelessly to build a better team, and his constituents follow his road to success, which ultimately leads to a rewarding experience for the customer.

Even when volunteering, Derek is all in. He was a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters from 2005-2015, earning Group Recreation Volunteer of the Year Status.

And when he isn’t busy leading the team to the acme of sales, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, running, working out, watching thrillers, action and dramatic television shows

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Manoj Arora

Manoj Arora, Difenda’s Founder and CEO has always been ahead of the curve in Technology and Cyber Security. After securing his engineering degree in Computer Science, he wrote his first mobile banking application when he was just 23 years old. This accomplishment certainly set him apart from the crowd and prepared him for a lifetime of innovation and success in his field. At just 25 years old, he was selected as the youngest Cyber Security Officer for one of the largest banks in Asia.

As a globetrotting young cyber security professional, Manoj was instrumental in designing cyber security infrastructure and controls for some of the largest institutions around the world. Depth of his expertise and passion to serve customers at the highest level of competence and integrity lead to Difenda. Founded in 2008, Difenda is a rapidly growing cybersecurity firm operating in North America and Asia.

As the CEO at Difenda, Manoj drives the strategic vision to protect our customers and enable our team members to deliver our services in line with core values- competence, integrity, and innovation. Currently one of Microsoft’s leading North American partners, Difenda reflects Manoj’ single-minded focus on our customers. Difenda is fully vested in success of its customers and takes pride in considering our success as a byproduct of our customers. Manoj has always been committed to building a great team and forging strong partnerships to serve our customers with standards that top our industry.

When he is not busy bringing cybersecurity to the world, Manoj enjoys playing golf and squash, and continues to travel the world.

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Lisa Templeton

Lisa Templeton is the perfect combination of human empathy and technological prowess. In her role as People Services Manager, she takes care of our team members to support them in their daily work, as well as on their personal life paths. Happy employees make for happy customers, and Lisa excels in giving our employees the tools they need for success in order to become the best possible versions of themselves. Along with employee formation, she shines in the service delivery support domain to continuously improve the process. Her 24 years of experience in IT Operations and Service Management help her create quality and efficiency at Difenda.

Having attended the Information Systems Management certificate program at Ryerson University, and with various other certifications to her credit, Lisa is perceptive and innovative when it comes to information technology, but also sensitive to the needs of her human constituents. Responsible for achieving the first privately owned company HDI Support Center certification in Canada, she has also designed and implemented Service Management excellence programs and 24×7 IT Operations departments for multiple IT organizations, and has created corporate rewards and recognition programs to keep her employees engaged and motivated.

On the personal side, Lisa passionately supports the cause of breast cancer research, having lost her mother to the disease. She reads voraciously in her spare time, and enjoys the art of home renovation. The summer months also bring time on her boat and exploring new hiking trails.

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Miranda McCurdy

Miranda McCurdy uses her myriad super powers in all aspects of her job and personal life. As the Marketing Director at Difenda, Miranda McCurdy brings over a decade of experience to the table, which includes expertise in all facets of operations, brand management, and content marketing, as well as a multitude of successful strategies for the ever-expanding digital world. She is an expert at simplifying the message the company is trying to send, filling in gaps in the information, and strengthening the content in order to create compelling narratives that strengthen the brand and developing programs that bring teams together.

With several Addy Awards issued by the American Advertising Federation Cleveland to her credit, and her never say die attitude, Miranda understands both the broader picture and the minute details that are needed to successfully market a product. With her abilities to harness both the talent needed to spread the message, as well as to create the message itself, she is an integral cog in the company’s ability to communicate with customers and other stakeholders.

When she is not building a brand, she shares her ability to fill the gaps in her community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, and the Charleston Food Bank. In her spare time, Miranda spends time with her family, enjoys fitness and health, paddle boarding, reading, and arts and crafts.

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Juliana Zaremba

Connections are the name of the game for Juliana Zaremba. As Strategic Partnerships Director, she is responsible for Difenda’s channel partnerships and the development and ownership of the channel partner program. She is also responsible for the global Microsoft Partnership, including the creation of strategic plans with MSFT contacts that will facilitate the continued growth of the business and establish certification and training protocols in all security technologies. Her role is multifaceted, as she acquires partners, manages relationships with them, and develops strategies that will provide cutting edge security solutions to our customer base. Another integral aspect of her job is to facilitate growth.

With a Bachelor’s in Math from the University of Waterloo and 14 years of experience from her previous roles at Herjavec Group and CDW, her cutting edge focus and ability to develop long-lasting relationships and strategies provides world class security solutions to our customer base.

Juliana thrives on connections outside of work as well. She is a philanthropist and contributor with Women4Change based in Hamilton. This group of local women is passionate about supporting local causes, and she focuses her efforts around Women in STEM. She is also a member of Club Italia in Niagara Falls and supports their youth events throughout the year.

When not managing the Microsoft Global partnership, Juliana enjoys reading, often reading several books at once. Juliana enjoys exploring the Niagara Escarpment with her family, as well as sharing meals and experiences with her extended family. Juliana’s competitive nature has her always trying new things, like Whoop band challenges and Peloton.

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Jeffry Jacob

Biography Coming Soon

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