Cybersecurity exercise prepares Ohio for evolving threats
Cybersecurity exercise prepares Ohio for evolving threats
Publish Date: 2026-07-13 18:21:00
Source Domain: spectrumnews1.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. CINCINNATI — As cyberattacks continue to target critical infrastructure across the country, cybersecurity professionals from government, the military and private industry gathered at the University of Cincinnati this week to prepare for the next digital threat.
Now in its fifth year, Ohio Cyber Guardian is a four-day cyber defense exercise hosted by the Ohio Cyber Range Institute at UC’s Digital Futures building. The exercise simulates cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, allowing participants to practice detecting threats, coordinating responses and strengthening cybersecurity readiness.
“We are cyber insecure; that’s just a starting point,” said Richard Harknett, co-director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute.
The exercise comes as cybercrime continues to rise nationwide. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans reported more than $20 billion in cybercrime losses last year.
Rebekah Michael, executive staff director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, said cyber threats extend beyond computers and can affect the services Ohioans depend on every day.
“Every Ohioan is vulnerable, but also businesses and our critical infrastructure like our electric grids and our wastewater treatment plants,” Michael said.
Organizers said one of the exercise’s greatest strengths is the collaboration between military personnel, government agencies, private industry and cybersecurity professionals.
“There will be no future war without cyber, and there will be no winning of wars without cyber readiness and superiority,” said Brig. Gen. Clarence K. Maynus, Ohio’s assistant adjutant general.
Michael said cyber threats will continue to evolve, making ongoing training essential.
“There’s no way to ensure that we are safe. There’s no 100% solution,” she said. “But with trainings like this and preparing our people for this, we are more secure.”
Harknett said participants leave the exercise with more than technical experience.
“Hopefully they’re going back trained up, skilled up, but also with a different orientation about what they can bring to their organizations,” Harknett said. “The ripple effect across Ohio from this exercise alone is significant.”
