Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a leadership imperative. As cyberattacks grow more frequent, complex, and AI-driven, every organization and individual becomes a potential entry point for disruption. From nonprofits and school districts to city governments and Fortune 500 companies, the threat is real—and rising. This forum explores how Central Ohio is responding to this evolving landscape. Local experts will unpack the latest threats, the role of artificial intelligence in both attacks and defense, and the practical steps organizations and individuals can take to protect themselves. You’ll also hear how public-private partnerships, workforce development, and statewide initiatives like CyberOhio are helping build a more resilient digital future.
Featuring Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Gov. DeWine, Chair of CyberOhio; Sophia Mohr, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, COTA; Michael Wyatt, Principal – SLHE Cyber Leader, Deloitte, with moderator Padma Sastry, Adjunct Faculty, The Ohio State University College of Engineering.
If you would like to dive more deeply into this topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out Faik: a Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-generated Deceptions, by Perry Carpenter, 2025.
