Michael Nowatkowski, PhD

Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are rapidly becoming interconnected – creating new opportunities, new vulnerabilities and a growing need for professionals who understand both. At Augusta University, a new $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help prepare the next generation of professionals to work at that intersection. The School of Computer and Cyber Sciences received the award through the NSF’s Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service Program. The funding will support Augusta University Government-Ready Experts in Resilient CyberAI, or AUGER CyberAI. Michael Nowatkowski, PhD, professor and director of Augusta University’s Cyber Institute and head of Cyber Programs of Study, is the project’s principal investigator. The program reflects a fundamental shift in cybersecurity education. AI can be used as a tool to strengthen cybersecurity, but AI technologies themselves must also be secured. Augusta University is responding by integrating more AI into its cybersecurity curriculum, rather than treating the two disciplines as entirely separate fields. Participating undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students will take at least four cybersecurity courses and two artificial intelligence courses. Students can receive up to three years of funding covering tuition and fees, along with annual stipends of $27,000 for undergraduate students and $37,000 for graduate students. In return, graduates will put those skills to work in public service, with participants required to work for a federal executive branch agency for the same number of years they receive funding. If federal employment is unavailable, the obligation can be fulfilled through state or local government employment. “As cybersecurity and artificial intelligence become more interconnected, we have a responsibility to prepare students with the knowledge and experience needed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.” – Alex Schwarzmann, PhD Schwarzmann, dean of Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, says AUGER CyberAI will allow the university to invest in students while mentoring a new generation of professionals prepared to serve the nation. The first cohort will begin in fall 2026, with approximately seven students expected in the inaugural group and another seven anticipated in 2027. Experts on Cybersecurity, AI and the Workforce Michael Nowatkowski is a leading cybersecurity expert whose areas of expertise include defensive cyber operations, cyber operations education, control system security, medical device security and information assurance. He can provide insight into how AI is changing cybersecurity, the skills future cyber professionals will require and how universities can prepare students for an evolving threat environment. View his profile Alex Schwarzmann is a nationally recognized expert in computer science, cybersecurity and distributed systems. His research has been supported by numerous grants from the National Science Foundation and other agencies, and he can provide perspective on computer science education, the changing technology workforce and the growing intersection between AI and cybersecurity.  View his profile For journalists covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cyber threats, technology education, workforce development, government cybersecurity or the future of the technology workforce, Nowatkowski and Schwarzmann can provide expert analysis and perspective. If you’re interested in speaking with Michael Nowatkowski, PhD, or Alex Schwarzmann, PhD, about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and preparing the next generation of cyber professionals, click on their profiles below.

Hackers continue to make more frequent and sophisticated attempts to infiltrate municipalities and government computer systems. In the past few months, Augusta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas, are among the cities that have experienced system breaches. Some of the unauthorized access is caused by employees simply clicking on a wrong link, while others are premeditated attempts to steal data through the breach. They aren’t easy to defend, but everyone, including individuals, governments and businesses, must be vigilant when it comes to protocols and security. Michael Nowatkowski is the head of the cyber program of study in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University and knows there are a lot of bad actors out there. “There’s potential, if they are able to get onto your system, that it would be something like ransomware, where they would prevent you from using your data,” said Nowatkowski. He added it might not be just for monetary gain. They could simply eavesdrop and collect data without anyone’s knowledge. “You want to find them as quickly as possible so they can’t perform these malicious activities or sit in a dormant state just collecting data for a long period of time,” he added. When it comes to attacks on cities, Nowatkowski said the bad actors may just want to discredit the city or agency by defacing their web pages. In other cases, they may force a ransomware attack to get money out of the city to re-access the data. He added it’s a challenge to prepare and defend for the attacks, as you never know what the attack vector is going to be. “For cities to defend, they always have to be vigilant. They should try to encourage their users to use the systems responsibly. User education is a very big step and is a proactive step in defending your networks,” said Nowatkowski. He also said if an attack did happen, it’s important to look for ways to prevent future attacks, try to figure out the root cause of how the attack happened and put measures into place to prevent them from happening in the future. This may include having a third party conduct an assessment of the network to look for vulnerabilities. If you’re a journalist look to know more or have been assigned to cover any aspect of cybersecurity in the nation, then let our experts help with your coverage. Dr. Michael Nowatkowski is an associate professor with the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University. He also serves as the head of the cyber program of study. Nowatkowski is available to speak with media regarding the emerging threat of cybersecurity in America. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

With the rising occurrence of cyber-attacks across America, institutions, banks, government agencies and top-tier companies are now either falling victim or feeling vulnerable to attack from online enemies abroad. It’s a topic that is now front and center that has most leaders regardless of poltical party in agreement and media across the country are starting to cover with more depth and seriousness. Most Americans across party lines have serious concerns about cyberattacks on U.S. computer systems and view China and Russia as major threats, according to a new poll. The poll by The Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that about 9 in 10 Americans are at least somewhat concerned about hacking that involves their personal information, financial institutions, government agencies or certain utilities. About two-thirds say they are very or extremely concerned. Roughly three-quarters say the Chinese and Russian governments are major threats to the cybersecurity of the U.S. government, and at least half also see the Iranian government and non-government bodies as threatening. October 11 – Associated Press "I am really interested in the security of our critical infrastructure systems," said Dr. Michael Nowatkowski. " If an attacker were able to shut those systems down, great harm would result. This is a national security issue." If you’re a journalist look to know more or have been assigned to cover any aspect of cyber-security in the country, then let our experts help with your coverage. Dr. Michael Nowatkowski is an Associate Professor with the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University. He also serves as the Head of the Cyber Program of Study. Nowatkowski is available to speak with media regarding the emerging threat of cyber-security in America, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.