Cyber Defenders: The Adventures of the Safety Squad

Pennifield, Joshua: - Joshua Pennifield was born and raised in Stafford, VA. From a young age during the early 2000s, Joshua displayed a keen interest in cybersecurity. His parents often found him taking apart old computers and putting them back together to run better. He always enjoyed troubleshooting issues and finding unique solutions, which sparked his lifelong passion for the field.Throughout high school, Joshua took every computer class available, from graphic design to networking. Although computer security wasn't a prevalent field at the time, Joshua's interest led him to pursue higher education in the subject. He was accepted to Liberty University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Data Networking and Security, with a minor in Information Systems.Professionally, Joshua works as a contractor for the USMC as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO). He is also a dedicated member of the VA Army National Guard, currently serving as a Staff Sergeant (SSG) with 14 years of service as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator). He plans to complete at least 20 years of service.Joshua holds several certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and CySA+, as well as an ACAS certification. Achieving the CySA+ certification has been particularly impactful, helping him grow and deepen his understanding of the cybersecurity field.In addition to his professional roles, Joshua is passionate about spreading cybersecurity knowledge. His motivation for writing his book stems from a desire to educate middle school students about the importance and excitement of cybersecurity. He believes that understanding cybersecurity is essential in today's digital age and wants to make learning about it fun and accessible for young readers.On a personal note, Joshua has been happily married to his wonderful, loving, and supportive wife, Rachel, for two years. Together, they share their home with two goofy and loving boxers named Sage and Jasper.