The Downforce: A Novel About Speed, Trust, and the Cost of Doing the Right Thing

by Assaf Keren

268 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2026

About the author

Assaf Keren is a five-time CISO whose security leadership roles include PayPal, where he protected one of the world's largest financial platforms, and Qualtrics. His 25 years on the front lines of cybersecurity span military and government service, where he defended some of the world's most attacked networks, the founding and sale of two cybersecurity companies, and service on multiple non-profit and for-profit boards.

He is the author of Lessons from the Frontlines (Wiley, 2025), an honest, people-first guide for security leaders. The Downforce, his first novel, brings the same operating model to life through story. He writes about security, AI risk, and leadership at Leadership in Cyber.

He lives in Utah with his wife, their three children, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Adam Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a cybersecurity leader and her drought first 155 days at a new company. It’s also a lesson in self care, leadership, and navigating work with a family. What most surprised me was how well the story stayed engaging while wading through some dense technical maneuvers. It’s hard to keep a narrative compelling when some of the central action is between lawyers and security people, but this was Grisham level good!

For me the biggest take away was an understanding of how different rooms are for different decisions. In other words, sometimes the boardroom isn’t the right place to lay everything out and the backrooms meetings should happen first. I highly recommend the book to any aspiring security leader, first time executive, or anyone embarking on a leadership journey.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read!!! Seriously, it is! A sensitive, complex, smart, and interesting book that I couldn't put down. There is no "villain", because in real life people are more complex than just good or bad. Beyond all the female empowerment in this book, and all the drama of being in a very powerful position, it brings out the gentleness of life, relationships, parenthood, and partnership. I can't recommend this book highly enough - read it (and thank me later)!