acknowledgments

Writing a book, especially on such a rapidly evolving topic, requires time, focus, energy, and inspiration. My family has given me all three in abundance, and I can’t express enough gratitude for their patience and understanding. Their willingness to let me disappear into my office for hours, dive into research and revisions, and still greet me warmly at the dinner table is a deeply cherished gift. My children, Cienna, Elia, Emmy (Mariano), Luca, and my better half, Michelle DiBruno, and my two stepdaughters Santina and Alessia, thank you for supporting me.

I also want to thank the incredible team at Manning Publications. From the earliest stages of this project, they believed in my vision and provided unwavering guidance. Their editorial insights, thorough reviews, and tireless efforts behind the scenes transformed raw ideas into a cohesive book. Their professionalism and passion made this journey both rewarding and enjoyable.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to Dr. Mary Grace Giraldo, who guided me during my master’s degree program in data integrity and information assurance at Temple University. Her mentorship expanded my perspective on cybersecurity, taught me the importance of data-driven risk management, and encouraged me to bring these insights to a wider professional audience.