Aurora Technologies
Leadership
Erik A. Simpson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. Erik Simpson is a cybersecurity engineer, digital forensics specialist, and founder of Aurora Technologies, bringing decades of hands-on experience across advanced cyber operations, malware analysis, and sensitive investigative support. His engagement with computer science and cybersecurity began at an exceptionally early age, where he demonstrated an uncommon aptitude for systems analysis, software development, and adversarial thinking—capabilities that would later define his professional career.
Mr. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity His academic foundation is complemented by an extensive portfolio of industry and government-recognized certifications, including GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware), GIAC, OSCP, Security+, and CCNP, reflecting deep expertise across offensive security, network engineering, incident response, and advanced malware research.
Throughout his career, Mr. Simpson has worked closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies on large-scale and highly sensitive digital forensics matters. His contributions have included compromised network remediation, advanced intrusion analysis, malware reverse engineering, and the reconstruction of complex cyber incidents involving exploited infrastructure. He is frequently relied upon for cases requiring discretion, technical precision, and an ability to operate effectively under high-risk investigative conditions.
Aurora Technologies originated as a fugitive recovery and investigative services organization, specializing in violent domestic and international fugitive apprehension. Under Mr. Simpson’s leadership, the company evolved organically as the threat landscape shifted—expanding into private digital forensics, network penetration testing, and cybersecurity consulting. This evolution reflects his rare ability to bridge physical-world investigative operations with advanced cyber threat analysis, providing clients with comprehensive, real-world security solutions.
In addition to his civilian and private-sector work, Mr. Simpson maintains a close professional relationship with military cyber warfare training programs and operational methodologies, further informing his approach to adversarial modeling, defensive architecture, and strategic cyber operations. This exposure has shaped his emphasis on discipline, precision, and mission-driven execution within both technical and investigative environments.
Kenneth W. Pitts
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mr. Pitts has an extensive background in conducting complex and sensitive investigations, organizational development, program management, and human resources. His law enforcement career spans more than 25 years, followed by six years in the private sector as an investigator, security consultant, and security manager.
Prior to his retirement as a San Jose Police Lieutenant in the Robbery Unit, Mr. Pitts served in leadership positions across multiple specialized divisions, including Field Operations, Intelligence and Special Investigations, Narcotics, Homicide, the Crime Scene Unit, and Patrol Special Operations (SWAT). He has over seven years of undercover investigative experience focused on narcotics and organized crime groups.
Mr. Pitts is a fully licensed Private Investigator and Private Patrol Operator. In the private sector, he has successfully conducted investigations involving internal corporate theft, fraud, cargo theft, workplace violence, and protection of trade secrets. He also served for three years as the Senior Corporate Security Manager for a multinational biotechnology company in the Palo Alto area, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan and managed physical security systems and personnel across U.S. and European facilities.
Mr. Pitts is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and holds the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation. He is also a member of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA) and the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI).
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and has completed extensive specialized training, including the U.S. Secret Service Dignitary Protection Course, the State of California Dignitary Protection Course, the Los Angeles Police SWAT Academy, and courses at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Today, Mr. Pitts continues to apply his extensive investigative and leadership experience to Insight Group, Inc., providing strategic direction and oversight as CEO.
Sonya Arriaga
Director of OPERATIONS
Ms. Arriaga has more than 20 years of law enforcement and leadership experience. She began her career with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, serving in Patrol, the correctional facility, and the Narcotics Unit.
She later joined the San Jose Police Department, where she worked in Patrol and was later assigned to the Detective Bureau in Narcotics. Ms. Arriaga subsequently advanced to the California Department of Justice as a Special Agent and was later promoted to Operations Commander of the largest task force in the United States.
Under Ms. Arriaga’s command, record-breaking statistics were achieved in drug seizures. During her tenure, she was assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where she successfully investigated and dismantled a large-scale organized crime group. Ms. Arriaga has received numerous commendations, including the prestigious “Gil Pompa Award” from Washington, D.C., recognizing her outstanding leadership as a Commander.
Throughout her career, Ms. Arriaga has worked closely with local, state, and federal agencies, developing partnerships and international contacts. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and has served as an instructor for this organization in the area of Strategic Planning, training command staff law enforcement officers throughout the United States.
Recognized for her leadership and influence, she was named one of Silicon Valley’s 100 Most Powerful People by San Jose Magazine and has been featured on 60 Minutes, the Los Angeles Times, the San Jose Mercury News, and numerous other publications nationwide.
As Chief Executive Officer of Insight Group, Inc., Ms. Arriaga applies her extensive background in law enforcement, investigations, and strategic leadership to guide the company’s mission, expand client services, and maintain the organization’s longstanding reputation for excellence and professionalism.
Gilbert
Chief Morale Officer & Official Mascot
Gilbert is a highly motivated Heeler–Australian Shepherd mix with a proven record of loyalty, vigilance, and relentless operational oversight. Known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the mission, Gilbert serves as the official mascot and morale anchor of Aurora Technologies.
Possessing advanced situational awareness and rapid-response capabilities, Gilbert is widely regarded as part canine, part velociraptor. His presence alone acts as a deterrent to unauthorized activity, unsecured footwear, and lapses in attention. His specialty includes proactive asset acquisition—most notably socks—which he secures with precision and stores in undisclosed locations for later review.
Gilbert demonstrates exceptional leadership traits, including:
• Uncompromising loyalty to his team
• High-energy operational readiness at all hours
• Strategic surveillance of perimeters, mail deliveries, and suspicious squirrels
• Morale enhancement through companionship, enthusiasm, and well-timed chaos
While firm in his convictions, Gilbert remains approachable and deeply invested in the wellbeing of those around him. He operates on a platform of integrity, vigilance, and unfiltered enthusiasm, and he believes strongly in a future where every sock is accounted for—even if temporarily misplaced.
Gilbert proudly represents Aurora Technologies with distinction, charisma, and just enough raptor DNA to keep things interesting.