AI advancements give hackers new ways to launch cyberattacks
UC expert offers insight on cyber criminal activity
Advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence give cyber criminals more ways to exploit data.
The Dayton Daily News turned to the University of Cincinnati’s Richard Harknett, PhD, for context on the recent influx of cyberattacks. Harknett is co-director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, chair of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy and director of UC’s School of Public and International Affairs.
Harknett told the Dayton Daily News that cybercriminals are increasingly cunning. He explained that while the FBI and law enforcement are becoming more proactive in disrupting these operations before an attack, offenders are rarely caught.
“Ransomware gangs are becoming more sophisticated in their operations — how they exploit, negotiate and collect ransom. The number of such gangs has nearly tripled in the past two years,” Harknett said. “Since most are overseas, you cannot rely on the threat of arresting them.”
And in the digital age, anyone is at risk of having their data compromised.
“If you hold personal data (online) or have an internet IP address, you are a target,” Harknett said.
Read the Dayton Daily News story.
Featured image at top: Illustration of a password lock over a laptop. Photo/iStock.
Related Stories
Can ChatGPT help holiday shoppers?
December 5, 2025
Holiday shopping can be difficult. That’s why WLWT turned to Lindner College of Business professor Sachin Modi for insights on if large language models like ChatGPT can be helpful in finding more tailored gifts for loved ones.
Reesë Tuttle is going to change the world
December 5, 2025
Reesë Tuttle earned five college degrees before graduating high school, but the University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology provided her the opportunity to have a traditional college experience — even if just for the year it took her to complete her second bachelor's degree. She shares why she decided to pursue a bachelor of science in information technology (BSIT) at UC, as well as how her new startup, a security training platform, was developed with the ultimate goal of saving lives.
Can new research improve the safety of AI therapy for teens?
December 5, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Stephen Rush joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition for a discussion on the growing trend of young people turning to artificial intelligence for mental health support and therapy.