ABOUT CRITICAL DEFENCE
Critical Defence is a boutique advisory firm focused exclusively on digital exposure, counter-surveillance, and strategic privacy risk.
Originally established as a cybersecurity advisory firm and recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the Customer Value Leadership Award, Critical Defence now operates as a private advisory practice dedicated to individuals, institutions, and leadership facing meaningful exposure risk.
Our work is grounded in investigative discipline, litigation awareness, and discretion.
Founder & Managing Director
Jeffrey Bernstein
Jeffrey Bernstein has spent his career operating at the intersection of cybersecurity, intelligence, and institutional risk.
He served as President and Managing Director of Critical Defence for 15 years, building the firm into a nationally recognized cybersecurity advisory practice. He has directed cybersecurity strategy within national accounting and advisory firms, advising organizations and executive leadership on digital risk and governance.
Earlier in his career, he led cybersecurity assurance and intelligence initiatives alongside former Directors and senior officials from the United States Secret Service (USSS), the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).
Today, he leads Critical Defence as a focused advisory practice dedicated to privacy, digital exposure management, and counter-surveillance.
Chief Privacy and Security Officer
Mark Rasch
Mark Rasch is a nationally recognized authority in computer crime and digital investigations. He previously served as Chief of the Computer Crime Unit at the United States Department of Justice, where he prosecuted high-profile cybercrime and national security cases.
Mr. Rasch brings decades of experience advising organizations and leadership on digital risk, investigations, compliance, and litigation strategy. His perspective strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver advisory services that are both technically rigorous and legally informed.
Our Extended Advisory Bench
Critical Defence engagements are supported by senior experts with backgrounds in federal investigations, protective services, and homeland security, including former leadership from the United States Secret Service and other national agencies.
All engagements are conducted on a discreet and senior-led basis.