Florence Woods

Florence Woods, a dedicated advocate for digital literacy and online safety, has been championing the cause of protecting individuals from cyber threats and misinformation for over two decades. Based in San Francisco, California, Florence runs the website SecureDigitalLife.org, which offers a wealth of resources including webinars, guides, and interactive courses designed to empower the public with knowledge on safeguarding personal data and recognizing online scams.

Florence's work encompasses educating people about the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the internet, such as phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, identity theft, and the spread of disinformation through fake news and conspiracy theories. She emphasizes the importance of treating malicious online entities as carefully as one would handle any real-world threat. Among her publications are titles like "The Digital Shield: A Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity," "Navigating the Web Safely: Protecting Yourself and Your Family Online," and "Breaking the Chain: Stopping Misinformation Before It Spreads."

In 2004, while working as a software engineer at a tech startup, Florence encountered a sophisticated phishing scheme that nearly compromised sensitive company information. This experience inspired her to transition into full-time advocacy and education about cybersecurity. Her unique background provides her with an insider's view on how to protect both individuals and businesses from falling victim to online predators.

Florence earned her Master’s Degree in Information Security from Stanford University and holds a Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She is affiliated with various prestigious institutions, having served as a guest lecturer at UC Berkeley's School of Information, and as a consultant for the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity Division.

Florence is a sought-after speaker, often seen at technology conferences, universities, and community centers. She has delivered TEDx talks titled "The Art of Deception in the Digital Age" and "Building Resilience Against Online Manipulation." As the Director of the Digital Literacy Academy, she leads initiatives aimed at fostering a safer online environment for everyone, developing practical tools such as the Cyber Threat Assessment Framework (CTAF) and the Online Safety Curriculum (OSC).

Through her efforts, Florence not only educates but also empowers countless individuals to take control of their digital presence and become vigilant guardians of their own information security.