Craig Ford Empowers the Next Generation Through Cybersecurity and Storytelling
Photo: Craig Ford, cybersecurity expert and award-winning author, champions cyber education and inclusivity through his fiction and children’s books.
Breaking Stereotypes And Educating Through Fiction And Cyber Awareness
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.
Craig Ford is a force to be reckoned with—equal parts cyber expert, educator, and imaginative 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 literature. 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.
A visionary author blending tech expertise and storytelling to educate, inspire, and reshape perceptions of cybersecurity for readers of all ages.
Ford’s journey into fiction began with a mission: to inspire more young women to explore cybersecurity. “Foresight was born out of a desire to encourage more young women to take an interest in cyber security,” he explains. “I wanted to create a character that shows cyber is cool, it’s not just a boys’ club, 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 By crafting relatable, authentic characters like Sam, Ford challenges outdated perceptions and opens doors for underrepresented groups in tech.
“Foresight was born out of a desire to encourage more young women to take an interest in cybersecurity.” – Craig Ford
His commitment to cyber education extends beyond young adults. Co-authored with Stephane 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 online 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 immediate success—reaching bestseller status within weeks—proves the demand for accessible, engaging cyber education.
“I wanted to show readers that cyber is cool, it’s not just a boys’ club.” – Craig Ford
Recognition from the Independent 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 technologies in his work. “Autonomous 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 through 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 movement. By empowering readers with knowledge and representation, he’s shaping a future where cyber is inclusive, accessible, and exciting for all.
Source: Mosaic Digest Magazine
