CrowdStrike Characters: The Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Book

In the world of thriller novels, few characters are as intriguing as those found in Guy Wasserman’s debut novel, “CrowdStrike”. The book follows a brilliant and reclusive cybersecurity expert, known only as “CrowdStrike”, as he takes on a series of high-stakes cases that test his skills and push him to the brink of sanity.

But who are the real-life inspirations behind these characters? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of cybersecurity and explore the people who have inspired the CrowdStrike characters.

The protagonist: “CrowdStrike”

At the heart of the book is the enigmatic CrowdStrike, a former NSA analyst turned independent cybersecurity consultant. Wasserman has said that he drew inspiration from real-life cybersecurity experts, including Edward Snowden, the infamous whistleblower who revealed the extent of government surveillance programs.

However, CrowdStrike’s character is also heavily influenced by Wasserman’s own experiences working in the cybersecurity industry. “I’ve met many individuals who have worked in the field of cybersecurity, and I was fascinated by their skills and expertise,” Wasserman notes. “I wanted to create a character who embodied those qualities, but also had a deeper, more complex personality.”

The villain: “The Shadow Broker”

The main antagonist of the book, known as “The Shadow Broker”, is a mysterious figure who uses his vast resources and technology to manipulate and control others. Wasserman has said that he was inspired by the real-life figure of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the online drug marketplace Silk Road.

Like Ulbricht, The Shadow Broker is a master of the dark web, using his skills to evade detection and hide his true identity. However, while Ulbricht was motivated by a desire to make a profit, The Shadow Broker has a more sinister agenda, driven by a desire for power and control.

The supporting cast

The supporting characters in the book, including CrowdStrike’s love interest, Rachel, and his colleague, David, are also inspired by real-life individuals. Rachel, a former CIA agent, draws inspiration from women like Valerie Plame, who was outed as a CIA agent in 2003.

David, a reclusive tech genius, was inspired by Wasserman’s own experiences working with developers and programmers. “I’ve seen many individuals in the industry who are passionate about their work, but also struggle with social interactions and may come across as awkward or introverted,” says Wasserman.

Conclusion

The characters of CrowdStrike are just as complex and intriguing as the world of cybersecurity they inhabit. By drawing inspiration from real-life individuals, Wasserman has created a cast of characters that are both relatable and believable.

Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or cybersecurity, the world of CrowdStrike is sure to captivate and intrigue. With its pulse-pounding action, complex characters, and real-life inspiration, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.