OCRI
Quarterly Newsletter
August 2026 Newsletter | Subscribe
As executive staff director of OCRI, I’m proud of the strong collaboration across our Regional Programming Centers as we build a connected statewide cybersecurity ecosystem. Together, we’re expanding hands-on learning, strengthening cyber resilience for local governments and small businesses, and increasing access to training through shared resources like the Cyber Library and Ohio Cyber Range. This work reflects our shared commitment to developing a skilled workforce while supporting and protecting organizations across Ohio.
PCCIP Strengthens Ohio’s Cybersecurity Workforce and Local Governments
Through the Persistent Cybersecurity Clinic Internship Program (PCCIP), 97 higher education students have partnered with more than 200 local government entities to support Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement (O-PCI). Together, they have completed 5,308 hours of work and earned $106,162.33 while gaining hands-on experience, building professional confidence, and helping strengthen cybersecurity practices across Ohio.
Ohio Cyber Guardian 2026 Redefines Large-Scale Cyber Defense
Ohio Cyber Guardian 2026 became the largest exercise in the program’s history and the nation’s largest non-classified defensive cyber exercise. By connecting military and civilian defenders across in-person and remote environments, OCG 2026 challenged participants with a realistic, evolving campaign that combined technical attacks, intelligence, influence, and operational disruption.
OCRI Relaunches Free Ohio Cyber Library for Educators
The Ohio Cyber Range Institute has relaunched the Ohio Cyber Library with a new platform allowing collaboration, offering qualified Ohio educators free access to 25 fully developed cybersecurity courses, materials and alignment to national and state cyber standards. Covering beginner through advanced topics—including digital forensics, ethical hacking, malware analysis, network defense, and post-quantum cryptography—the library provides flexible, expert-developed resources for K–12 schools, career centers, colleges, universities, and nonprofit learning organizations. Eight courses also offer Credly badges.
If you are an Ohio Educator, you can join the library at the link below.
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Welcome To The Ohio Cyber Library
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More OCRI News
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University of Akron graduate Samantha Jones secured a position as a Computer Forensic Specialist with the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
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ODHE/OCRI investment helped Wright State secure its 2026 CAE-CD redesignation, extending the national recognition for another five years.
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Stark State a two-year college, reported participation in OCRIs Digital Forensics group created a level of alignment with four-year institutions digital forensics pathways that previously did not exist
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Stark State College O-PCI Internship Helps Stark State Graduate Launch a New Career
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Tiffin graduates are applying OCRI-supported training in digital forensics roles with local law enforcement agencies.
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Cedarville University 112 students completed Cedarville's CY1000 Introduction to Cyber course in Spring 2026. The project creates a reusable resource that can be adopted by high schools and colleges throughout Ohio. The textbook and labs are freely available online and will be added to the OCRI Library for broader use.
OCRI's Cyber Library Expands Statewide Impact with New Platform, Workforce Investments, and Data-Driven Innovation
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OCRI's Cyber Library (OCL) is entering a new phase of growth in 2026, strengthening its role as a central hub for cybersecurity education, collaboration, and resource sharing across the state. Designed to support Ohio’s broader cyber ecosystem, the library continues to enable statewide engagement through accessible content, structured learning pathways, and consultative support for educators and organizations. By preserving critical cybersecurity resources and aligning them with frameworks and real-world needs, OCL is helping build a stronger, more connected pipeline of cyber talent.
A major focus this year is the launch of a new, more dynamic Cyber Library platform powered by Always Education. This upgraded system introduces enhanced features such as customizable learning pathways, real-time communication tools, and advanced analytics to track engagement and outcomes. The platform’s decision-based organization goes beyond traditional content libraries by clearly identifying the “why” behind cybersecurity topics—connecting resources to emerging threats, certification domains, and instructional goals. These improvements will increase accessibility, foster collaboration, and ensure users can easily find relevant, high-impact materials.
In addition to its technological advancements, OCRI's Cyber Library is investing in people and partnerships to expand its reach. New staff roles—including an Associate Director, analysts, and research support—will strengthen program delivery and data analysis efforts. At the same time, OCL continues its outreach across Ohio, engaging students and educators through hands-on demonstrations, career discussions, and local partnerships. As the library prepares for its next phase, it is also calling on regional partners to share success stories and contribute content—ensuring the platform reflects the collective impact and innovation happening across Ohio’s cybersecurity community.
Ohio Cyber Integration Center Strengthens Statewide Cyber Defense Through Collaboration and Real-Time Intelligence
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The Ohio Cyber Integration Center (OCIC), part of Ohio Homeland Security, serves as a centralized hub for cybersecurity coordination across the state. It brings together government, private-sector, and federal partners to share intelligence and respond to cyber threats in real time.
OCIC supports organizations by providing threat alerts, incident response assistance, and best practices to strengthen defenses against risks like ransomware and phishing. Through collaboration and training, it plays a critical role in improving cybersecurity readiness and resilience across Ohio.
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​Register for our 8th Annual OCRI Symposium that takes place 9AM-4PM on October 7, 2026, at the Digital Futures Building, University of Cincinnati. This year's theme of Advancing Intelligence-Driven Cybersecurity Together will spotlight shared progress and collective insight. To submit a proposal to present at the symposium, please visit the OCRI symposium page to learn more.
University of Findlay will host the 25th Annual Information Assurance Forum (IA Forum) Oct. 28. The forum is a regional cybersecurity conference and educational event focused on information security, emerging technology, and cyber threats.
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