About Big Sky

Protecting Privacy, Prioritizing Security

At Big Sky Cybersecurity, we understand the importance of trust in every business relationship.

As a cybersecurity first organization, our top priority is safeguarding not only your systems but also your confidence in us.

For our broader technical team, we are cautious about how much identifying information we publish online. Public staff directories can make engineers and analysts easier targets for social engineering or phishing attacks, tactics often used to breach cybersecurity defenses.

Many of our clients handle highly sensitive information and protecting their privacy means limiting unnecessary public association that could expose internal roles, tools, or environments.

We believe trust is earned through our actions and expertise, not just a roster on a webpage. When you work with us, you get to know the people behind Big Sky Cybersecurity personally. Through clear communication, responsiveness, and a partnership that puts your needs first.

Below, you can learn more about the owners who lead that work and stand behind every engagement.

Meet the Founders

Dawn Van Zandt, Founder

Dawn founded Big Sky Cybersecurity after seeing cyberattacks wipe out years of work for businesses in her own community. She focuses on helping healthcare practices, law firms, and Montana businesses that cannot afford downtime or a damaged reputation. Her digital forensics work turns chaotic data into clear timelines and root cause answers after an incident.

Drawing on more than 15 years in IT and cybersecurity plus a background in business management, Dawn translates threats into clear, practical protection and roadmaps business owners can use.

Explore Dawn’s recent posts on LinkedIn.

James Krippes, Vice President

James brings over two decades of experience in technology management including leading Schoolhouse IT, where he has supported K12 schools with reliable, security minded IT operations. That background with mission critical education informs his work at Big Sky Cybersecurity, where he helps design managed IT and security services that keep Montana organizations running without interruption.

James focuses on building long term relationships with clients and aligning day to day IT decisions with each organization’s workflows, risks, budget, and community responsibilities.

See James’s recent K12 and managed IT insights on LinkedIn.

Our Values Shape Every Decision We Make

At Big Sky Cybersecurity, our core values guide us in delivering transparent and effective solutions that protect your business.

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Secure Every Step

We build tailored solutions to address your unique challenges, ensuring every step of your cybersecurity journey is secure and intentional.

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Lead with Expertise

Beyond execution, we act as trusted guides—uncovering your needs, solving problems, and delivering strategies that strengthen your business.

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Protect the Present, Secure the Future

With a focus on proactive solutions, we safeguard your operations today while preparing you to meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.

Next Steps

Take the First Step Toward Better Cybersecurity

Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive cybersecurity audit and discover peace of mind.