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
Protecting the brain with chemistry
April 24, 2026
UC chemistry student Carter St. Clair will pursue his interest in computational chemistry through a new fellowship at the Air Force Research Laboratory. His topic: new applications in AI in human health.
UC works with local paramedics to advance sudden cardiac arrest research
April 24, 2026
A University of Cincinnati study demonstrates the feasibility of emergency medicine researchers partnering with community emergency medical services nationwide to investigate the causes of sudden cardiac arrest.
Social architecture as an urban project
April 24, 2026
Architect and Assistant Professor Peter Yi examines how public policy, housing design and zoning reform shape cities, with a recent focus on Cincinnati’s history of urban renewal and move towards more connected communities.