Global tech outage reinforces importance of cybersecurity
WLWT reports on how UC is preparing the state of Ohio to respond to cyberattacks
A global tech outage affecting Windows-based computers halted operations for businesses, individuals and institutions on Friday, offering a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity, WLWT reported.
Jacques Bou Abdo, assistant professor in UC’s School of Information Technology
Friday’s outage was caused by a software update released by the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. The outage, which was not a cyberattack, affected millions of computers throughout the world, and the effects are still being felt days later.
The experience showed some of the problems that could occur as a result of a cyberattack.
The Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI), which is housed at the University of Cincinnati, is preparing Ohio to respond if an attack were to happen.
The OCRI hosted an exercise for the Ohio Cyber Reserve, a volunteer force under the command of the state’s adjutant general that can respond to cybersecurity incidents anywhere in the state. The cybersecurity exercise trained several Ohio Cyber Reserve teams in an emulated real-world scenario.
"The war gaming exercises that are being held by the Cyber Range help the professionals but also help the policymakers prepare for the next coming incident," said Jacques Bou Abdo, an assistant professor in UC’s School of Information Technology.
Featured image at top: Computer code on a laptop screen. Photo/ Markus Spiske via Unsplash
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