Our Team
We stand at the forefront of enterprise software development, digital forensics, and investigative operations, offering an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience. Comprised of dedicated professionals who operate with transparency and integrity, we are fully committed to delivering results. Our collective expertise ensures that we approach every challenge with the seriousness it deserves, equipped to navigate the complexities of our field. We take pride in our openness and accountability, ensuring that each project is undertaken with the utmost professionalism and dedication to success.
Founders
Wesley Brandi, CTO
Wesley (LinkedIn) is an accomplished professional with a doctorate in Computer Science who boasts extensive experience as a Software Engineer, notably contributing to projects such as Windows Server, Bing, Internet Explorer, Windows 7, and Smartscreen. In 2011, he established his own boutique investigations firm dedicated to the specialized field of fraud and abuse mitigation, catering to esteemed clientele including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and the U.S. Government.
Wesley is widely acknowledged as a Subject Matter Expert by numerous Law Enforcement Agencies and esteemed law firms, having successfully managed a myriad of cases ranging from intricate affiliate fraud to sophisticated botnet schemes targeting global retailers. His expertise and proven track record underscore his invaluable contributions to the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Jim Carden, CEO
Jim (LinkedIn) has a distinguished career spanning federal law enforcement, military service, and private sector leadership, he stands as a paragon of cybersecurity and digital forensics expertise. His tenure with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Fairfield Police Department’s Computer Crimes Branch has cemented his reputation as a formidable force against cybercrime.
As a seasoned computer forensics investigator, Jim’s certifications from the California Department of Justice and the Department of Defense are a testament to his profound knowledge and skill set. His role in pivotal computer investigations and forensics has not only earned him a Top-Secret SCI security clearance but also the trust of clients who rely on his unparalleled ability to unravel complex digital puzzles.
At the helm of Praefortis, Jim leverages his unique insights to pioneer innovative wallet recovery solutions and password breaking technologies. His leadership at Carden Rose Inc. and Digital Blue Solutions, Inc. has been instrumental in developing preventive legal strategies and employing cutting-edge technologies to mitigate corporate legal risks.
Jim’s military service is equally impressive, marked by his contributions as a Pararescue team member and his commendable work with the United States Air Force’s Special Operations Command. His dedication to service and excellence has been recognized with 16 military decorations, underscoring his commitment to his country and his craft.
Paul (LinkedIn) embodies the ethos of “Accountability, Relevance, and Agility” and they are the bedrock principles of success for both organizations and the individuals dedicated to them. With a career enriched by service in the United States Air Force, government service, and private enterprises, Paul is a seasoned professional adept at steering teams toward shared objectives. Throughout his journey, he has championed the idea that leadership is a equilibrium between people and goals. His approach fosters positive relationships, fostering collaboration that propels teams to achieve remarkable feats. As a solutions-driven leader, Paul deftly identifies strengths and weaknesses, empowering others to harness their full potential in the pursuit of organizational excellence. His unwavering belief in the power of agility and teamwork resonates as pivotal tenets for achieving success.
For over 40 years Paul served to live the motto ‘That Others May Live’ in the military as part of USAF Pararescue (PJ) teams, a senior civilian in the Department of Defense, and later transitioning to the Veterans Administration. Throughout his career he served in numerous overseas operations supporting the United Nations and the United States (Africa, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Turkey, etc); conducted missions with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and executed humanitarian rescues and hardware recoveries as a master chief aircrew member, master jumpmaster (free fall/static line), and special operations diver.
Colonel (ret) Vincent Savino (LinkedIn) is a recent addition to the Board of Directors at Praefortis as one if it’s Principal Advisors. Currently, he is the owner and founder of Resolute Career Coaching, and an Executive Associate at Intrepid Leadership Group. Previously he served 25 years in the United States Air Force as a Special Tactics Officer, Combat Rescue Officer, and Air Liaison Officer where he held multiple command and staff assignments including Commander, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, 38 th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (Iraq), 64 th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (Iraq), 1st Air Support Operations Group, Fort Lewis Army Installation, WA, and 368th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, Baghdad Iraq, where he also served as Air Liaison Officer to the 3-Star Commanding General, Multinational Corps Iraq.
Colonel Savino has directed Combat Search & Rescue, Emergency Surveillance & Assessment, and Non-Combat Evacuation Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Liberia, The Congo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Albania. He led the 38th Rescue Squadron to back-to-back 347th Rescue Wing Squadron of the Year Awards. His unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation with Valor for their demonstrated exceptional heroism in action against an armed enemy.