LOCAL 12: Ohio prime target for cyber attacks say UC experts
UC cybersecurity expert Richard Harknett researching ways to defend election process in digital age
In a Local 12 interview, Richard Harknett, head of political science at UC and co-director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI), points to Ohio as a prime target for election interference by cyber-attackers.
"Some adversary would look at that and say that's the bullseye. If I can mess around with Ohio, I can mess around with the entire election," Harknett states.
The interview was born out of a UC article in which Harknett and fellow cybersecurity expert Greg Winger, an assistant professor in the department, discuss potential cyberattacks to November elections and ways in which UC’s Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy is working to defend against these attacks.
Harknett says reserachers at the center hope to present some defense strategies to the Ohio Board of Elections in August.
>Read more about Harknett and the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy
Featured image of Harknett presenting at the opening of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute on March 3, 2020. Photo Colleen Kelly/UC Creative + Brand
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
News Cincinnati loved in 2025
January 2, 2026
The story of prohibition bootlegger George Remus was among WLWT's favorite segments in 2025. UC Law Professor Christopher Bryant spoke with journalist Lindsay Stone about Remus using a temporary insanity defense during a murder trial.
What to know about this year’s big tax changes
January 2, 2026
Local 12 reported that taxpayers can expect some major changes this tax season. Gary Friedhoff, adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently spoke to Local 12 about how to avoid surprises.
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.