Interview With Author Ahmed Awad ( NullC0d3 )
Ahmed Awad ( NullC0d3 )
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a veteran cybersecurity threat intelligence analyst with over 20 years of hands-on experience defending global organizations against cyber warfare, APTs, ransomware gangs, and digital espionage. I’ve worked across red team, blue team, and leadership roles in SOCs and incident response teams across multiple sectors. Writing is my way of giving back to the community and helping the next generation of cyber defenders level up faster.
I’ve written two books so far in my growing Hacker Hunter series:
Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Mind
Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Toolkit
Each one combines real-world stories, field-tested strategies, and actionable insights designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in modern cybersecurity.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Toolkit: A Field Guide to Cybersecurity Skills, Tools & Real-World Tactics.
It was inspired by the countless messages I received from students, junior analysts, and even seasoned defenders who said, “We need practical guidance — not just certifications.” This book is the hands-on counterpart to my first, diving into the core tools and workflows I’ve used in red teaming, OSINT, malware analysis, threat intel, and digital forensics.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes — I write in bursts right after finishing a real-world case. There’s something about capturing that raw insight immediately after a tough investigation or successful red team op that turns into authentic storytelling. I also log notes in real time during engagements, which later evolve into chapters or scenarios.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kevin Mitnick – for making hacking approachable to non-technical readers
Clifford Stoll (The Cuckoo’s Egg) – for showing the human side of cyber investigation
Marcus Carey (Tribe of Hackers) – for giving voice to many unique experts
The Art of War – because every cyber op is a psychological and strategic battle
What are you working on now?
I’m planning the third book in the Hacker Hunter series — Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Ransomware Playbook.
It will cover how ransomware works from the inside out, and how defenders can outsmart it using detection engineering, IR playbooks, and zero-trust resilience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LinkedIn has been a game-changer — especially for cybersecurity. But I also rely on Medium to share long-form educational posts, TikTok for quick attention-grabbing content, and Facebook Groups for targeted niche outreach.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Write what you know — and write it like you’re explaining it to your future self. Also: your first draft is just that. Get it out, then polish it later.
And please, don’t underestimate the power of a good cover and title.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“People don’t buy books. They buy transformation.”
Make sure your book solves a problem, fills a gap, or delivers an experience. That’s when it becomes valuable.
What are you reading now?
This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole Perlroth
Malware Data Science by Joshua Saxe
The Psychology of Influence by Robert Cialdini
And I often re-read incident reports and APT case studies — the real-world stuff keeps me sharp.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Beyond the next book, I’m planning to launch a cyber training platform that uses interactive labs and storytelling to teach complex topics. I also want to publish a workbook version of the Toolkit for training programs and universities.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
The Cuckoo’s Egg by Clifford Stoll
Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius — for focus and resilience
Author Websites and Profiles
Ahmed Awad’s Social Media Links
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Written by
Ahmed Awad ( NullC0d3 )
Ahmed Awad ( NullC0d3 )
Cybersecurity Strategist | Threat Intelligence Leader | Author of Tactical Cyber Warfare Guides | 20+ Years in Frontline Defense Ahmed Awad (AKA NullC0d3) is an internationally recognized cybersecurity expert and threat intelligence strategist with over two decades of operational experience securing critical infrastructures, neutralizing advanced persistent threats (APTs), and leading cyber defense missions across governmental, military, and Fortune 500 environments. He has served as a trusted advisor to national security agencies and global enterprises, specializing in real-time threat hunting, cyber warfare simulation, digital forensics, and intelligence-led incident response. His unique blend of offensive mindset and defensive mastery enables him to uncover hidden threats and anticipate attacker behavior before damage is done. As an author, Ahmed distills his deep battlefield insights into practical knowledge for cyber defenders: 📘 Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Mind – A rare exploration into the psychology of modern threat actors, cyber warfare doctrine, and the inner workings of high-stakes intelligence operations, drawn from 20 years of frontline cyber conflict. 📗 Inside the Hacker Hunter’s Toolkit – A no-fluff, field-tested guide to the skills, tools, and tactics that matter most in today’s threat landscape — ideal for SOC analysts, blue team professionals, red teamers, and anyone fighting on the digital frontlines. 🎯 Core Expertise Threat Intelligence (CTI) Strategy & Operations Advanced Threat Hunting & APT Attribution Digital Forensics & Malware Reverse Engineering Cyber Warfare Tactics & Nation-State Actor Profiling OSINT, SOC Architecture, and SIEM Optimization Strategic Cybersecurity Leadership and Risk Intelligence "Mastering cybersecurity isn't about tools. It's about thinking like the threat — and staying ten steps ahead." — Ahmed Awad