First Ascent Cyber Advisory delivers intelligence-led cybersecurity solutions that turn threat context into action. We blend hands-on technical expertise with strategic insight to help organizations navigate modern risks with clarity and confidence.
At First Ascent Cyber Advisory, our mission is to empower organizations with intelligence-led cybersecurity strategies that anticipate, detect, and mitigate today’s most sophisticated threats. We believe that effective defense starts with context—providing clear, actionable insights derived from deep threat intelligence and hands-on experience.
As new threats emerge, we embrace innovation, applying cutting-edge technologies—including cloud-native architectures and AI-driven defenses—to stay ahead of adversaries. We bring decades of experience securing mission-critical environments and distill complex risk into executive-level guidance that drives confident decision-making.
We don’t just consult—we climb alongside our clients, guiding them toward a more resilient and secure future.
Matt Shelton
Principle Consultant
Matt Shelton is a veteran cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience designing and leading intelligence-led security programs across the private sector, government, and global consulting firms. He is the founder of First Ascent Cyber Advisory, where he helps organizations tackle modern threats through expert risk guidance, emerging technology integration, and threat-informed defense strategies.
Prior to launching First Ascent, Matt served as Head of Threat Analysis and Research at Google Cloud, where he built and led a cutting-edge threat intelligence team focused on protecting cloud environments from advanced adversaries. His work has influenced the security posture of Fortune 100 companies, critical infrastructure providers, and some of the most targeted platforms in the world.
Matt was a principal investigator in the SolarWinds supply chain breach and has led threat intelligence, incident response, and risk management programs at FireEye, Mandiant, and Booz Allen Hamilton. He is known for his ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable guidance for executives, boards, and engineering teams alike.
A frequent speaker at cybersecurity conferences and intelligence forums, Matt is passionate about helping leaders understand and navigate today’s threat landscape. He holds a CISSP certification and a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Email matt@firstascentcyber.com