Page 11 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Craig Ford Empowers the Next Generation Through Cybersecurity and Storytelling
Cybersecurity expert Craig Ford transitions into fiction, creating empowering stories like Foresight and The Shadow World to inspire young women, teach cyber safety, and challenge industry stereotypes with authentic, engaging narratives.
Stereotypes And Educating Through Fiction And Cyber Awareness
with—equal parts cyber expert, educa- tor, and imaginative
Breaking Craig Ford is a force to be reckoned
cyber education.
Recognition from the Inde- pendent Press Award and other accolades has further fueled Ford’s mission. “These awards help drive my goal to educate the world on cyber safety,” he says. They’ve also bolstered his new cyber education platform, which offers essential awareness tools for parents, seniors, kids, and small businesses. “It’s too important not to drive change where I can,” he adds.
As a male author writing a strong female protagonist, Ford prioritizes authenticity. “I have five sisters, so I have a little insight,” he jokes, crediting his editor, Steph, for ensuring his portrayal of Sam resonated with readers. “I wanted to ensure it was authentic and really hit the mark.”
Looking ahead, Ford is eager to explore emerging techno- logies in his work. “Autono- mous vehicles, AI, and quantum computing are going to explode in the next decade,” he says. “It’s a very interesting world we’re living in.” Whether throu- gh novels or educational books, Ford remains committed to demystifying tech and inspiring the next generation.
Craig Ford’s unique blend of expertise and creativity is more than storytelling—it’s a move- ment. By empowering readers with knowledge and representa- tion, he’s shaping a future where cyber is inclusive, accessible, and exciting for all.
and give readers someone they could aspire to be.” That character is Samantha, a teenage hacker who shatters stereotypes with her intelligence, resourcefulness, and real-world tech skills.
Breaking stereotypes is a recurring theme in Ford’s work. “I wanted to break the mold of two stereotypes—hacker hoodies and the idea that this is a boys’ club,” he says. “Neither of those things is true in reality.” By crafting relatable, authen-
tic characters like Sam, Ford challenges outdated perceptions and opens doors for underrepre- sented groups in tech.
His commitment to cyber education extends beyond young adults. Co-authored with Step- hane Lacey, The Shadow World is a children’s book designed
to teach online safety to kids as young as five. “Teaching kids how to safely navigate the on- line world is super important,” Ford emphasizes. “It’s much harder to break bad habits later than to teach the right way from the start.” The book’s immedi- ate success—reaching bestseller status within weeks—proves the demand for accessible, engaging
Craig Ford, cybersecurity expert and award-winning author, champions cyber education and
inclusivity through his fiction and children’s books
storyteller. With a background deeply rooted in cybersecurity, Ford has taken an extraordinary leap from technical writing into the dynamic world of young adult fiction and children’s liter- ature. His award-winning books Foresight and The Shadow World don’t just entertain—they educate, empower, and ignite curiosity in readers of all ages,
particularly young women and children often overlooked
in conversations about technology.
Ford’s journey into fiction began with a mission: to inspire more young women to explore cybersecu-
rity. “Foresight was born out of a desire to encourage more young women to take an inte- rest in cyber security,”
he explains. “I wanted to create a character
that shows cyber is cool, it’s not just a boys’ club,
“Foresight was born out of a desire to encourage
more young women to take an interest in cybersecurity.”
Craig Ford
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