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
Scientists discover how snakes stand upright without limbs
April 3, 2026
Smithsonian magazine highlights a study co-authored by UC Professor Bruce Jayne, an expert in snake locomotion, about how snakes stand upright without arms or legs.
UC design student works with sports greats in co-op
April 2, 2026
Spectrum News profiles UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning communication design student Jayden Balwally, who had an internship with the Oklahoma City Thunder and worked with the Heisman Trophy Trust and the College Football Playoff.
Sage Bushstone found her IT path through co-op experiences
April 2, 2026
Sage Bushstone is a fifth-year student at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing concurrent degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentrations in Data Technologies and Software Development, and an Accelerated Master of Science in Information Technology. In this story she shares how co-op experiences led her to her preferred field of study.