The University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu recently hosted the 5th annual �鶹��ý Threat Assessment Conference (HTAC), a statewide effort that brought together more than 200 attendees and a dozen national and local experts. In collaboration with the �鶹��ý Office of Homeland Security, the event equipped participants with vital tools to enhance community safety across the islands.

This year’s conference centered on “The Threat Continuum,” emphasizing the integration of threat prevention, management and response. By mastering both mitigation and rapid response, �鶹��ý communities can better protect their residents.

“Making our communities safer through the incorporation of both mitigation strategies helps to limit injuries and loss of life, as well as potential liabilities,” said HTAC co-organizer and UH West Oʻahu’s Director of Compliance Bev Baligad. “It should never be about choosing one over the other. Embracing efforts to support the entire threat continuum is the key.”

‘Preventative practice’

The conference featured speakers from the Honolulu Police Department, the FBI and other experts who shared strategies for today’s rapidly changing environment.

“Threat assessment and management is very important because it’s such a preventative practice that you can really get red flag warnings, you can see the concerning behaviors, and then you can act on it on the front end,” said Ed Howard, CEO of Pax Bello Security Solutions �鶹��ý, LLC.

By providing these training opportunities, the conference strengthens the state’s capacity to identify risks early. Steven MacDonald, executive director of Safer Schools Together, highlighted the lasting impact of collaboration.

“This gathering shows the great work that’s already been done across the islands, across the Pacific,” MacDonald said. “That’s going to be one of the greatest ways for our communities to continue to grow and get stronger.”

With funding support from Homeland Security and Department of Justice grants, these efforts ensure �鶹��ý remains at the forefront of community-wide safety and resilience.

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��–W����� ��ʻ����� has achieved a major milestone, for the National Cyber League (NCL) spring 2026 competition. This performance, involving more than 7,500 students from 670 institutions, marks the university’s highest placement to date, rising from 9th in the previous fall competition.

“NCL teaches you the skills you can’t always pick up in the classroom,” said student Sean Belisle. “You need to use your academic knowledge and combine it with logic and problem solving skills to find answers, and it’s this combination that has been preparing us well for our careers after school.”

The NCL event, powered by Cyber Skyline, tests students against real-world workforce challenges, including forensic data analysis, pentesting (a simulated cyberattack) and ransomware recovery.

Student Joel Kawamae added, “In a field like cybersecurity, where technology is constantly evolving, the solutions that work today are not always the same solutions we will rely on tomorrow. Competitions like the National Cyber League and other CTFs (Capture The Flag, a common format for cybersecurity competitions) challenge us to adapt to unfamiliar problems and to learn under pressure, and that ability to keep learning is one of the most valuable traits a cybersecurity professional can have.”

Skill, determination, teamwork

“Participation in the National Cyber League provides students with an opportunity to apply their cybersecurity knowledge in a realistic, hands-on environment while competing against some of the best student talent in the nation,” said Anthony Eich, team coach and a cybersecurity lecturer.

In May, a UH West ��ʻ����� team, which included students from Honolulu Community College, secured 4th place nationally in the NCL Team Standard Bracket.

Eich said, “Earning a top-four team finish and helping UH West ��ʻ����� achieve a third-place national Cyber Power Ranking demonstrates the skill, determination and teamwork of our students. I am incredibly proud of what they accomplished and excited to see the continued growth of our cybersecurity program.”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

As the economy rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence (AI), the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) is bolstering local workforce readiness. The University of �鶹��ý Community College consortium hosted the PCATT AI Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact at the Ala Moana Hotel June 4–5, bringing together industry leaders, educators and UH professionals to tackle the evolving technological landscape.

Celebrating PCATT‘s 25th anniversary, the summit focused on four core pillars: Trust in AI, AI & The Future of Work, Public/Social Interest in AI, and The Mechanics of AI. The event emphasized the necessity of collaboration between local businesses and schools to advance AI literacy and create stable economic pathways in the islands.

UH System Senior Advisor to the President Kim Siegenthaler opened the gathering, emphasizing how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping �鶹��ý‘s economy and workforce alignment.

Keynote speakers included Chris Barton, creator of Shazam (a breakthrough music recognition mobile application), and Dave Free of the Cisco Networking Academy, who offered strategies for innovation and adapting education training to rapid technological change.

Building a resilient workforce

“I was inspired by the discussions on finding the balance between leveraging AI‘s power while maintaining ethical standards and human connection,” said attendee Alexi Drouin. “As AI continues to change how we learn and work, it’s clear that our adaptability and human insights are more valuable than ever.”

For industry experts, the summit highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application.

“Attending the PCATT AI Summit was an incredible opportunity to engage with �鶹��ý‘s tech educators and industry leaders,” noted Branden Baker of Intech �鶹��ý. “Discussing how we can safely leverage AI to build a resilient workforce and diversify �鶹��ý‘s economy is vital to our collective future.”

Lakshanya Krishnarajan, a healthcare IT professional, added, “The sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming education, cybersecurity and workforce development. From learning about trust in AI models to seeing real-world demos of how we can build practical digital prototypes, this summit provided actionable steps to bring back to our community.”

(Clarification: The UH-HATS team was composed of students who originated at Honolulu Community College, where they formed the Honolulu CC HATS student club. The HATS student club represented the UH System well by competing under the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu, where the majority of the HATS students are currently completing their bachelorʻs degrees.)

The Honolulu Community College student club, Hawaii Advanced Technology Society (HATS), placed fourth nationally in the 2026 National Cyber League Competition (NCL). They vied against more than 3,700 university teams from two-year and four-year institutions across the country.

“Working through real-world challenges alongside teammates teaches you things you can’t fully get from a classroom alone, how to trust each other, think under pressure, and grow as a team,” HATS President Nicholas Anich said. “I’m proud of how we performed, and even prouder of the community HATS has built: a group of students who genuinely show up for one another.”

The NCL Competition held in April challenged participants with cybersecurity scenarios, testing essential skills for the IT and cybersecurity workforce. The HATS team was composed of students from Honolulu CC’s Computing, Security & Networking Technologies (CSNT) program, along with CSNT alumni now attending the University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��–W����� Oahu.

“NCL was a great competition to hone and apply the skills I’ve picked up both inside and outside of the classroom,” Anich said. “HATS, the club that competes in events like this, has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Honolulu CC.”

Years of work

He credited mentors Gerome Catbagan, Jayson Hayworth and Bradley Ramos for their support. Former HATS president Jordan Yamaguchi said the placement was a result of years of effort.

“As the former HATS president, participating in this NCL competition felt like the culmination of all of our current and former HATS members’ hard work,” Yamaguchi said. “We spent several semesters together learning about the different categories in the competition and working out different techniques we could use to help us score higher, so placing fourth in the nation feels incredibly rewarding.”

In 2025, the team earned second place in the At-Large Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, part of the national Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) program. Through competitions such as NCL and CCDC, Honolulu CC students continue to gain hands-on experience while bringing recognition to the college on a national stage.

—By Amelia Oldham

The University of �鶹��ý is reminding individuals who may have been impacted by the cybersecurity incident announced February 27 that deadlines are approaching to enroll in 12 months of free credit monitoring and $1 million in identity theft insurance. After these deadlines, enrollment codes will no longer work.

Deadlines

• May 31, 2026: Enrollment deadline for individuals who received Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study notification letter codes
• June 20, 2026: Enrollment deadline for individuals who received email-based Experian enrollment codes
• May 31, 2026: Closure of the call center to assist all potentially affected individuals

Kroll Call Center: (844) 443-0842

Hours: Monday to Friday, 3:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. �鶹��ý Standard Time

Cybersecurity incident

The cybersecurity incident involved historical driver’s license and voter registration records (including social security numbers) used decades ago to recruit participants for epidemiological research studies. No information held by the UH Cancer Center’s clinical trials operations, patient care or other divisions of the center was impacted.

Potentially impacted individuals

The personal information affected by the incident was located in a subset of research files stored on certain servers that support the UH Cancer Center’s epidemiology research operations, including:

1. Two files containing names and date-of-births in combination with SSNs: the first, containing Driver’s License (DL) numbers, was collected in the year 2000 from the State Department of Transportation; the second, containing voter registration information, was collected in the year 1998 from the City & County of Honolulu. At that time, DL numbers in �鶹��ý were typically based on SSNs, and City and County of Honolulu voter registration information also often contained SSNs.
2. Files for study participants in the long-running Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study (recruitment for participants in �鶹��ý and Los Angeles, California from 1993 to 1996) and three other epidemiological studies of diet and cancer focusing on colorectal adenomas (recruitment for participants 1995–2007) and colon cancer (recruitment for participants 1994–2005), which also had SSNs and/or DL numbers in combination with names and date-of-births. They may also have contained questionnaires and other study information on participant health, as well as information pulled from national and state public health registries.
3. Two files that contain SSNs in combination with names collected from national and state public health registries as part of epidemiology research and study recruitment efforts. One file was closed to new names in 1999, and the other in the mid-2000s. The impacted files may also have contained research registry information about individuals’ health.

Letters were only mailed to MEC study participants. Other potentially affected individuals were sent email notices where valid email addresses were available. For the remaining individuals, notification was made through notices sent to major statewide media on February 27, 2026, and on the UH Cancer Center website.

If you believe you may have been impacted and did not receive an email or a letter, please call the Kroll Call Center: (844) 443-0842, Monday to Friday, 3:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. �鶹��ý Standard Time.

Individuals should also check the Spam folders in all of their email accounts. Notification emails were sent from notice@krollnotifications.com with the subject line “NOTICE OF DATA INCIDENT.” Official notification emails were sent between March 16, 2026 and March 20, 2026. Emails received outside of this date range should be considered phishing emails.

Individuals may also visit the to access support services and additional information.

Garret Yoshimi, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at the University of �鶹��ý System, will retire effective June 1, 2026, following more than a decade in the role and a long career in information technology serving �鶹��ý. His final day in the office will be May 22.

Yoshimi returned to UH in January 2015 and has played a central role in guiding the university’s information technology strategy across its 10 campuses. He previously served as telecommunications manager and director of technology infrastructure for the university system.

“Garret is not only exceptionally knowledgeable and widely respected in his field, but also one of the kindest and most thoughtful colleagues you could ever hope to work with, and he will be greatly missed across the University of �鶹��ý,” said UH President Wendy Hensel in a message to university leadership. “Please join me in thanking Garret for his many contributions to UH and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

“It has been my privilege to work with such a dedicated team, including going beyond the call for multiple high-profile efforts,” Yoshimi said in a message to UH ITS employees. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, that made a material difference for our UH community, and our global community of institutional peers and partners.”

Leading systemwide innovation and connectivity

During his leadership, Yoshimi oversaw systemwide efforts to modernize information technology services, strengthen cybersecurity protections and expand digital tools supporting teaching, learning and operations across the university.

Among his recent initiatives, Yoshimi helped lead efforts to position �鶹��ý as a global connectivity hub. In 2025, the University of �鶹��ý System advanced a partnership with Google on a proposed trans-Pacific subsea fiber optic system, including a cable landing station at UH West Oʻahu aimed at expanding international connectivity and improving network resilience across �鶹��ý and the Pacific region.

He also supported a collaboration with Google Public Sector to develop artificial intelligence tools to support student career pathways, connecting academic programs with workforce opportunities in �鶹��ý.

Yoshimi and colleagues have been recognized for their longstanding contributions to global research and education networking. In 2026, he was part of a UH team honored with the CENIC Innovations in Networking Award for Network Partner, recognizing more than 35 years of work connecting �鶹��ý and the Pacific to global research networks.

He received the ACUTA Bill D. Morris Award for individual leadership from the Association for College and University Technology Advancement and remains active in national higher education IT organizations, including EDUCAUSE and Internet2.

A Honolulu native, Yoshimi has nearly five decades of experience in information technology leadership across higher education, government and the private sector. He was appointed vice president for information technology and chief information officer in 2015, succeeding David Lassner, who went on to serve as UH president. In addition to his time at the UH, Yoshimi’s career includes leadership roles with the �鶹��ý State Judiciary—where he served as its first chief information officer—the East-West Center and DTRIC Insurance.

Yoshimi earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and a graduate certificate in telecommunications and information resource management from the UH ����ԴDz�.

During the transition, Brad Christ, associate vice president and deputy chief information officer, will serve as interim vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu placed 9th nationally after students participated in the National Cyber League (NCL) biannual cybersecurity skills competition, in individual and team-based events last fall. They competed in individual and team-based events, with more than 8,520 students from 490 colleges and universities.

The —for the fall 2025 competition season—were created by in partnership with .

Hands-on experience

“Participation in the National Cyber League gives UH West Oʻahu students the opportunity to validate their skills against peers across the country in a real-world, hands-on cybersecurity environment,” said the students’ coach Anthony Eich, a cyber competitions and cybersecurity instructor, and an alumnus. “Competitions like NCL require not only technical ability, but discipline, persistence and critical thinking under pressure.”

The UH West Oʻahu National Cyber League fall 2025 team members were Sean Belisle, Nyla Boneza, Jomer Calip, Steven Dinwiddie, Christopher Ebel, Blix Hazen, Joel Kawamae, Chloe Kurashima, Maria Isabel Mendez, Kiana Merez, Branden Ramos, Jamal Timbobolan, John Wright and Jiaye Zhou.

Growing professionally, personally

Dinwiddie, who is double majoring in cybersecurity with a concentration in cyber operations and applied science with a concentration in information security and assurance, reflected on his NCL experience.

“While NCL is undoubtedly challenging, the competition pushed me to apply classroom knowledge to problems that felt like the real thing, solidifying what I’d learned while exposing personal weaknesses, a critical component of growing both professionally and personally,” Dinwiddie said.

He added, “What I enjoyed most was being forced to think creatively, sometimes pursuing paths that seemed like dead ends only to find they led to a breakthrough. That moment of ‘there’s no way this is going to work’ turning into “wow, that actually did work!’ never gets old.”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The University of �鶹��ý Maui College is hosting the second of three free online cybersecurity clinics for �鶹��ý‘s sole proprietors and small business owners. “Security using GenAI” is the topic for this session, taking place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. HST, via Zoom.

Moderated by Debasis Bhattacharya (professor and program coordinator of the UH Maui College Applied Business and Information Technology Program), the clinic will help participants transform Generative AI from a buzzword into a powerful security ally.

This session will focus on the security and privacy issues associated with AI, providing a clear roadmap for integrating AI tools ethically and effectively to stay one step ahead of sophisticated cyber threats.

Participants will learn practical use cases, including

• How generative AI identifies anomalies and patterns that traditional rule-based systems miss.
• Basics of prompt engineering for small businesses.
• Navigating data privacy concerns and “shadow AI” while maximizing defensive capabilities.
• Automating threat detection and accelerating incident response times.

Presenters

Presenters include Jodi Ito, UH chief information security officer and David Stevens, assistant professor at Kapiʻolani Community College, a University of �鶹��ý campus.

“Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT are popular because they have learned just about everything there is to know on the Internet, and they respond to chat prompts in a human-friendly way. The risks here are loss of data privacy, training bias and hallucinations from the AI tool itself. This webinar will help small businesses use GenAI tools reliably and effectively to secure their business,” said Bhattacharya.

These clinics are part of the , funded by a $1-million grant and wraparound support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund.

The 59th annual (HICSS), hosted by the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa , convened global thought leaders at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Maui, January 5–9. It brought together more than 1,300 scholars, industry experts and policymakers from more than 42 countries.

Widely recognized as one of the world’s premier forums on digital and socio-technical systems, HICSS once again served as a showcase for the future of information technology and systems science.

This year’s conference received 1,559 research paper submissions, of which 727 were accepted following a rigorous peer-review process. Authored by more than 2,150 researchers, the accepted papers spanned artificial intelligence and data analytics to digital government, cybersecurity, healthcare system, and the future of work.

“As conference chair, I am continually impressed by the depth, rigor and relevance of the work presented at HICSS,” said Tung Bui, professor of information technology management and the Matson Navigation Company Chair of Global Business. “Emerging technologies—especially generative [which can create new content] and agentic AI [which can take action or make decisions]—were at the center of many discussions. Equally important were conversations about how these technologies reshape work, education and their unintended consequences for marginalized and underserved communities.”

The conference also brought a boost to the local economy. Among the more than 1,300 attendees, at least 30% were accompanied by family members. Organizers estimate the event generated roughly $5 million in revenue for the state during the first 10 days of the year.

More on HICSS

Founded in 1968, HICSS is the longest-running working scientific conference in information technology management. Its distinctive working-conference format emphasizes interaction, debate and collaboration, fostering close engagement between academic researchers and industry practitioners. Over its 59-year history, HICSS proceedings have generated more than 21,000 published papers and exceeded six million downloads worldwide. Google Scholar consistently ranks HICSS among the most cited conference series in its field.

HICSS will celebrate its 60th anniversary in January 2027 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on �鶹��ý Island, marking six decades of global impact in advancing systems science and responsible digital innovation.

Sign up now to safeguard your small business. The is launching a new series of free virtual meetings to help sole proprietors and small business owners across �鶹��ý fortify their operations against online threats. The first session, focusing on essential “cyber hygiene,” is a crucial opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain vital protection for their data and systems.

The inaugural “Introduction to Cybersecurity: Cyber Hygiene” clinic will be held on Wednesday, January 21, from noon to 1 p.m., HST, via Zoom.

Small businesses are frequent targets for cybercriminals, often due to limited resources. This clinic provides critically important, routine practices to protect networks and data. Debasis Bhattacharya, professor and program coordinator of the UH Maui College Applied Business and Information Technology Program, said cyber hygiene is “very much like maintaining personal health.” He will lead the workshops with David Stevens, assistant professor at Kapiʻolani Community College.

The introductory session will cover fundamental topics, including:

• Strong password policies and multi-factor authentication
• Regular software updates and patching
• Data backups and recovery
• Employee training and awareness
• Secure network and devices
• Access controls and incident response planning

No professional technical background is required, only fundamental knowledge of the internet. Additional information about this and subsequent events may be found here.

These sessions are offered at no cost, thanks to a collaboration between Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, which provided $1 million in grant funding to establish the University of �鶹��ý Cybersecurity Clinics. The UH Cybersecurity Clinic is one of 15 launching nationwide.

The (PCATT), a consortium of the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges, has made a significant impact on local workforce development, with more than 16,524 students served through more than 1,816 classes since 2020. This demonstrates the center’s crucial role in providing advanced technology training across the region as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Core offerings, including certifications in networking, computer programming, software development, cloud computing, and cyber security, remain strong and continually updated. PCATT is also the sole �鶹��ý-based sponsor offering a state-verified registered apprenticeship in information technology, providing a vital “earn-while-you-learn” pathway for residents to upskill.

Technology education leader

More than two decades after starting up PCATT remains a leader in providing high-quality, industry-relevant technology education, equipping local professionals with skills for high-demand careers. PCATT also operates a Cisco Networking Academy Support Center and Instructor Training Center for the Central Pacific (including �鶹��ý, Guam, American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Fiji).

PCATT continues to expand into cutting-edge fields, including a new AI for workforce pathway with training in generative AI and machine learning. This forward-looking approach will be highlighted at the PCATT Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact in June 2026.

Director Dan Doerger said, “For 25 years, PCATT has helped shape �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s technology workforce—and with its continued innovation and partnerships, the next 25 promise to be even more transformative.”

Strengthening cybersecurity research and advancing more resilient software systems are the focus of two new projects in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa that have secured National Science Foundation grants totaling $520,000. The awards will support efforts to address challenges in cybersecurity and to lay the groundwork for a future national center on resilient software systems.

Both efforts are led by Professor Mehdi Tarrit Mirakhorli and Assistant Professor Anthony Peruma.

“With the government planning a $1 billion investment in offensive cyber capabilities, our work is more vital than ever,” Mirakhorli said. “We are developing a foundational hacking framework to ensure the United States also leads in the responsible, offensive and defensive research needed to protect our critical infrastructure and national security.”

Peruma added, “UH Mānoa is earning grants and recruiting talent to help position �鶹��ý at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, driving interdisciplinary research and regional resilience.”

Navigating cybersecurity dilemmas

The first award, a , will fund UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s “Sandbox for Cybersecurity Research.” The project aims to help researchers, students and professionals better navigate responsibility dilemmas in cybersecurity.

Through case studies, interactive simulations and classroom modules, the initiative will create tools to guide real-world decision making and promote responsible practices in handling sensitive data and security threats. The sandbox will also serve as an educational platform, training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to balance technical expertise with responsibility.

Building resilient systems

The second grant, a , supports early work to design a multi-institution Center for Resilient by Design Software and Systems. This effort focuses on building computing systems that can withstand and recover from cyberattacks, rather than relying solely on defenses that react after a breach.

The planning period will include organizing the Cyber-Resilience Forum at MITRE Corporation in McLean, Virginia on November 14. This event, which is led by UH and hosted by MITRE, will serve as a trusted venue for government, industry and academic participants to explore the next frontiers of resilient-by-design systems. The goal is to unite universities, government and industry partners around a future national center dedicated to embedding resilience directly into the design of critical software and infrastructure.

Together, the grants highlight UH’s growing role in advancing cybersecurity research at the intersection of technology, resilience and more.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s .

With cybersecurity skills in high demand, 20 local high school students got a head start this summer by completing a free college-level course at Leeward Community College. Over eight weeks, ICS 171: Introduction to Computer Security students learned about network security, cryptography and ethical hacking.

“This course made a field that once felt out of reach accessible,” said Antonio Gonzalez, a student at Leilehua High School. “Now that I have a better understanding of cybersecurity, I realize it’s something I can apply in my programming and even consider as a career path.”

Mentors and role models

Students engaged with professionals such as Brandon Lester, president of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association �鶹��ý, and Tess Schwalger, executive assistant to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who shared real-world insights into cybersecurity careers.

“We invest in mentors, guest speakers and role models so students can envision themselves in these roles,” said Jennifer Sabas, (P3I) co-lead. “It’s so important they know they have what it takes to be successful.”

Tedi Kam-Yahata, P3I’s K–12 lead, added, “To be successful, we knew we needed to start in the high schools, finding different ways to support career pathways.”

The class also took field trips to the Hitachi Rail operations center and the Naval Information Warfare Center in Pearl City, witnessing firsthand how cyber defense protects vital infrastructure.

“I highly recommend taking this course,” said Riley Allen, a Radford High School student. “Even if you don’t have that expertise, you can get beginner-level knowledge of it.”

Cybersecurity credentials

The three-credit course was a partnership between Leeward CC’s program and the P3I. It concluded on July 24, with a certificate presentation ceremony.

P3I also covered the cost of CompTIA Security+ exam vouchers, a widely recognized cybersecurity credential. One student passed the exam before the course ended.

Leeward CC plans to offer the course again next summer.

“Our goal is to give students a taste of college so that enrolling later feels less intimidating,” said William Albritton, Leeward CC professor and division chair.

—by Kaila Nishi and Devon Bedoya

Mehdi Tarrit Mirakhorli, a professor in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s , moderated a national panel on cybersecurity innovation and federal defense strategy on June 12 in the nation’s capital.

Hosted by the Institute for Security and Technology, convened key players in policy, technology and infrastructure protection. Participants included members of Congress, executive branch of the government, leading think tanks and researchers, private-sector experts and civil society advocates. The panelists discussed hard questions on why America’s cyber innovation is broken.

“Real change will take uncomfortable conversations,” Mirakhorli said. “Despite decades of investment in cybersecurity—tools, talent and policy—threat campaigns like Volt Typhoon reveal that our nation’s critical infrastructure is still fundamentally vulnerable. Incremental R&D and putting band-aids on various solutions has failed. It is time to smash the temple and start over. Industry, academia and the public sector need to play their role, but that is different from how these entities are engaged today.”

Mirakhorli added, “The next breakthrough in cyber defense requires bold, mold-breaking joint ventures where academia, government incubators and private sector innovators work together. In �鶹��ý, where we’re geographically isolated and deeply connected through shared infrastructure, resilience isn’t just a technical goal—it’s a necessity for our communities’ safety and well-being.”

Mirakhorli’s panel, Rethinking Cybersecurity: From Volt Typhoon to Resilience by Design, examined why major vulnerabilities persist across national cyber infrastructure despite decades of investment, and explored opportunities to reimagine the federal cybersecurity ecosystem amid rapidly evolving AI-driven threats. Panel members included representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, BeyondTrust and Palo Alto Networks.

New ideas for essential systems

The panel also looked at how new ideas—from both government programs and private companies—could strengthen the systems we all rely on, such as electricity, emergency services, clean water and communication networks. The topics aligned closely with congressional appropriation requests under development to expand cybersecurity research and development in �鶹��ý.

Critical Effect DC 2025 emphasized actionable solutions and featured sessions on infrastructure protection, cyber-physical systems and workforce development—particularly for underrepresented populations.

Mirakhorli, a faculty member in UH Mānoa’s Department of Information and Computer Sciences in the , has led major research initiatives in secure-by-design systems and cyber resilience. He has supported key federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in advancing national cybersecurity policy and protecting critical infrastructure.

From campus meetups at 4 a.m. to the national stage in Florida, a first-time team of University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu cybersecurity students impressed the field—winning their regional division in March and finishing 12th out of more than 130 teams at a national competition in April.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team since we were UH West Oʻahu’s first-ever competitors in this competition,” said freshman and team captain Kiana Merez. “To not only take first place at regionals but also represent our school at the national invitational is a testament to our dedication and teamwork.”

Live defense

The UH West Oʻahu squad competed in the 2025 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Cyber Games Invitational in Tampa, Florida. Representing the university at the national event were Merez, Nyla Boneza, Blix Hazen, Joel Kawamae, Chloe Kurashima, Branden Ramos and Shane Zuls. They were accompanied by Eli Tsukayama, associate professor of business administration.

“During the competition, we defended against a live red team for the first time. It was challenging, but we did our best to use our experience to defend our infrastructure,” Merez said. “This opportunity taught us very important lessons that will stay with us long after this competition, and we are looking forward to participating again next year!”

Senior Blix Hazen called the experience both fun and intense.

“Having to actively defend against a red team was totally new to me,” Hazen said. “Having to keep your services up and scoring really forces you to learn in the moment and teaches how to be proactive against attackers.”

‘Plan to be back’

The team earned its invitation to the national competition by winning the 2025 NCAE Cyber Games Southwest 2 Regional Division. That winning roster included Merez (captain), Boneza, Hazen, Kawamae, Kurashima, Zuls, Ryan Vagay and Kendall Wong.

Cybersecurity instructor and faculty sponsor Anthony Eich, a UH West Oʻahu graduate, thanked the families and faculty who came together to make travel to Tampa possible, and praised the team’s performance.

“Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off, and it highlights the strength of our cybersecurity program at UH West Oʻahu,” Eich said. “There is so much to be proud of, and we plan to be back next year.”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

Matthew Schaefer knows precision. As a nationally competitive archer, the Mililani native is no stranger to focus and discipline. However, when he arrived at the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu, he learned success doesn’t always follow a straight line.

Schaefer began as a business major but found his passion in cybersecurity–a switch that came with uncertainty and challenge.

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

“Whether we took a traditional path or faced unexpected turns, we kept going, and that deserves to be celebrated,” Schaefer plans to share as one of two student speakers for on May 10 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Future leader

Schaefer made productive use of his time at UH West Oʻahu. A Chancellor Scholar and Admissions Ambassador, he led more than 150 campus tours and also supported students and staff through the IT Help Desk. But his defining experience came as an intern at the UH West Oʻahu Cybersecurity Coordination Center.

“Matthew has demonstrated initiative, determination and perseverance, which represent qualities that will enable him to be a future leader in the cybersecurity field,” said the director of the center.

Looking back, Schaefer credits UH West Oʻahu with building his technical foundation, and shaping how he thinks, communicates and solves problems.

“The hands-on experience and close-knit learning environment made a huge difference in my growth,” he said.

Interim Associate Vice Chancellor Michael Furuto, Schaefer’s former calculus instructor, said, “Matthew is a superb classroom leader, friendly team player and a model student. He has never ceased to amaze me with his unparalleled work ethic, dedication, grit and academic brilliance.”

‘Enjoy the journey’

Schaefer’s plans include continuing his work as an IT system analyst with the State of �鶹��ý Office of Elections, pursuing advanced cybersecurity certifications and mentoring others in the field.

“After graduation, I’m continuing to explore ways to grow in the cybersecurity field—whether through research opportunities or security consulting,” he said. “I’m especially interested in supporting organizations that protect public infrastructure and communities.”

On commencement day, Schaefer wants to leave his classmates, “feeling proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what lies ahead—and to remind them to enjoy the journey and not forget to smile along the way.”

For more visit .
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The University of �鶹��ý is offering free access to online AI and career skills training for students, faculty and staff across all 10 campuses through December 2027, thanks to its participation in the National Association of System Heads (NASH)-Google Community of Practice. The initiative is part of a growing movement to expand AI literacy and workforce readiness in higher education.

UH joins 75 campuses nationwide in offering self-paced, online learning through Coursera, featuring two and nine in areas such as data analytics, IT support, cybersecurity and project management.

These micro-credentials, developed with input from employers and faculty nationwide, are backed by the American Council on Education. Upon completion, participants earn digital badges that can be added to résumés and professional profiles—badges that are recognized by more than 1,500 employers seeking candidates with these specific, in-demand skills.

Interested UH community members can explore the offerings and sign up at hawaii.edu/its/coursera.

UH has secured 3,500 renewable course licenses, meaning 3,500 members can be enrolled in a course at any given time through 2027. As each participant completes a course, the license becomes available for someone else in the UH community.

“Our participation in this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equip students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. UH graduates with demonstrated skills such as data analytics, regardless of their degree, are more competitive in the job market today. We hope our community takes full advantage of this opportunity,” said Christine Beaule, UH System director of workforce development.

Plans are to develop a faculty learning community by fall 2025 to encourage interested faculty members across the UH System to integrate career certificate programs into existing courses. Workforce development is one of the four imperatives of the UH System’s �鶹��ý for 2023–2029.

The University of �鶹��ý is calling on students and teachers across the state to register for the highly anticipated 2025 GenCyber camps. These camps provide exciting, hands-on opportunities to develop valuable cybersecurity skills. Space is limited.

is a program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation that offers free cybersecurity camps for students and teachers nationwide. Since 2015, UH has hosted 44 student camps engaging more than 1,000 middle and high school students, and more than 25 teacher camps training more than 750 educators across the state.

“GenCyber camps are an excellent way for students to learn about exciting skills and careers they can pursue in college, and teachers learn techniques and content they can teach students in the classroom or in after-school programs,” said Jodi Ito, UH chief information security officer.

Register for student pre-camps

Kickstart your cybersecurity journey with the GenCyber virtual pre-camps. No experience is needed. Last day to register for the pre-camp is April 18, 2025.

Virtual Pre-Camps

• Who: Current 6th–12th graders
• When: May 3 and May 10 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Where: Virtual via Zoom (details provided upon registration)
• Register:

In-person student summer camps: Secure your spot in one of the exciting in-person cybersecurity camps happening across �鶹��ý

• Kauaʻi: June 9–13 | Kauaʻi High School |
• Oʻahu: June 9–13 | Campbell High School |
• Maui: June 16–20 | UH Maui College |
• Molokaʻi: June 16–20 | Kaunakakai Elementary School |
• Oʻahu: June 16–20 | Leilehua High School |
• �鶹��ý Island (Hilo): June 23–27 | Kua O Ka Lā |

The last day to register for the in-person camp is May 16, 2025. For more information, contact: gencyber@hawaii.edu or check the .

Teachers, register for the GenCyber intermediate virtual camp

UH Maui College is also offering a fully online cybersecurity training camp for �鶹��ý Department of Education high school teachers. Learn about ethical hacking, AI and cybersecurity, packet tracing and more.

Teacher Camp Schedule

• Pre-Camp 1: April 26 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Pre-Camp 2: May 17 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Main Summer Camp: June 23–27 | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Post-Camp 1: July 26 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Post-Camp 2: September 27 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, email Deborah McNulty (mcnultyd@hawaii.edu).

Meet the GenCyber �鶹��ý Team

The program is led by cybersecurity experts and educators from across the University of �鶹��ý system:

Student Camps Program Directors

• Hilo and Molokaʻi: Yingfei Dong (UH Mānoa professor)
• Campbell HS and Maui: Petersen Gross (Leeward Community College professor)
• Leilehua HS and Kauaʻi: John Johnson III (Kapiʻolani Community College professor)
• Coordinator and administrator Tonya Huntley (huntley9@hawaii.edu)

Teacher Camp Instructors

• Lead Instructor Noah Myers (�鶹��ý Department of Education)
• Pedagogy Expert Loren Ayresman (King Kekaulike High School)
• Consortium and Program Director Debasis Bhattacharya (UH Maui College professor)

About GenCyber

With a $412,794 grant from the NSA GenCyber program, UH Maui College is leading this statewide cybersecurity education initiative in collaboration with UH ����ԴDz�, UH Information Technology Services, Kapiʻolani CC and Leeward CC.

The aims to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing engaging and hands-on learning experiences for students and educators. Through funding and collaboration, GenCyber �鶹��ý is committed to strengthening �鶹��ý’s cybersecurity education pipeline.

The University of �鶹��ý Maui College invites prospective students nationwide to register for the cutting-edge cybersecurity workforce development program �鶹��ý Immersive Workforce, funded by a $500,000 U.S. National Security Agency grant.

UH Maui College, in partnership with the University of New Haven, is offering a free, fully online, skills-based training program designed to prepare participants for careers in four critical infrastructure sectors: energy, government facilities, finance and telecommunications. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The training consists of live weekly Zoom lectures at 4:30 p.m. HST (attendance is required). Scholarships cover tuition, course materials, and certification exam vouchers. Participants may earn certificates, badges, credits toward a certificate of competence and prepare for industry-recognized certifications (CompTIA Network+ and Security+). They will also connect with faculty and industry experts in AI and cybersecurity. The cohort has a maximum of 30 students.

“This is an important upskilling opportunity for in-demand cybersecurity jobs,” said Principal Investigator Debasis Bhattacharya. “Veterans, transitioning military, military spouses and first responders are strongly encouraged to apply.”

Program Details

Participants who complete the program will earn a certificate of competence from UH Maui College after taking the following courses:

• Summer Session II (July–August 2025): ICS 101—Digital Tools for the Information World (3 credits)
• Fall Semester 2025: ICS 169—Introduction to Information Security (3 credits), mapped to Google Cybersecurity Certification
• Spring Semester 2026: ICS 184—Introduction to Networking (3 credits), mapped to CompTIA Network+ Certification
• Fall Semester 2026: ICS 171—Introduction to Computer Security (3 credits), mapped to CompTIA Security+ Certification

This initiative complements the UH Community Colleges program by offering introductory and immersive cybersecurity certificates tailored for state and local employees, small businesses and nonprofits.

The at the University of �鶹��ý (ARL at UH) has secured a $110 million, five-year contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), with the potential for a five-year extension. This funding will support groundbreaking research, development, engineering, testing and evaluation of DoD programs.

As one of only five U.S. Navy-sponsored University-Affiliated Research Centers, ARL at UH has secured over $175 million in funding since its establishment in 2008. The laboratory conducts innovative research addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges, including renewable energy, sea-level rise, cybersecurity, underwater munitions detection and coral reef ecology.

“The Applied Research Laboratory at UH is not only tackling critical challenges that impact �鶹��ý and the world, but it’s also paving the way for �鶹��ý’s students to lead in high-tech fields,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This partnership positions UH and our state as global leaders in innovative solutions, from coastal defense to renewable energy and advanced cybersecurity.”

Examples of ARL at UH research:

• R3D Coastal Defense: ARL at UH leads the Rapid Resilient Reefs for Coastal Defense (R3D) initiative, developing hybrid coral reefs to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges while supporting marine biodiversity.
• Wave Energy Test Site (WETS): In partnership with �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute, ARL at UH operates WETS, the first U.S. project to connect wave-generated power to the grid. WETS advances renewable energy innovation and reinforces �鶹��ý’s clean energy leadership.
• Locating and Mapping Munitions: For over 15 years, ARL at UH has located and mapped thousands of corroding munitions off �鶹��ý’s coastlines, reducing risks to public safety and marine ecosystems.
• Cybersecurity: ARL at UH strengthens Pacific region cybersecurity through advanced computing and Machine Learning models, ensuring rapid anomaly detection and infrastructure resilience.
• Shaping the Future of Technology: ARL at UH drives innovation in digital engineering, prototyping, and maritime technologies, advancing solutions for national defense and environmental sustainability.

Related UH News stories:

• UH experts develop new tech to find sea-disposed munitions, September 15, 2024
• UH developed, living coastal-protection system prepares for deployment, September 2, 2024
• ARL at UH provides support for �鶹��ý during emergencies, May 9, 2024
• ARL at UH work helps data tech earn graduate research fellowship, May 3, 2024
• ARL at UH innovative tech hub for �鶹��ý, national defense, March 27, 2024
• Autonomous surface vehicles, remote sensors, more on display at MCBH, March 8, 2024