Dr. Richard Forno
Teaching Professor · Non-Tenure Track
Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department of Information Systems
About
A globally known cyber professional interested in the convergence of technology and national security, Richard’s 20 year career in operational cyber prior to entering academia spans the government, military, and private sector, including helping build a formal cybersecurity program for the US House of Representatives, serving as the first Chief Security Officer for Network Solutions (then, the global center of the internet DNS system), consulting to Fortune 100 companies, DoD, and more.
Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as an astute cyber leader who embraces collaborative and innovative thinking to build relationships, facilitate successful outcomes, and foster public understanding. His interdisciplinary research and professional interests include information age conflict, cybersecurity, risk communication, technology policy, the influence of artificial intelligence in warfare and national security, and the social shaping of technology — specifically, issues related to resiliency. autonomy, and influence in networked societies.
Author, teacher, collaborator, consultant, and frequent speaker/security communicator, Richard was one of the early public thinkers on the subject of information-age conflict and remains a longtime commentator on the influence of internet technology upon society. In 2026 he was featured in a television documentary on hybrid warfare in the Middle East.
Research interests
cybersecurity, cyberwar, hybrid threats and national security, digital ethics, privacy, technology policy, artificial intelligence + cyber, and the social shaping of technology.
Teaching interests
information age conflict, incident handling, risk communication, hybrid threats and national security, and the social shaping of technology among other areas.
Education
- Ph D, Internet Studies — Curtin University of Technology (2010)
- MA, International Relations — Salve Regina University (2002)
- Graduate Certificate, Strategic Studies — US Naval War College (1997)
- BA, International Relations — American University (1994)
- AB, Business — Valley Forge Military College (1992)
Publications
- Federal shutdown deals blow to already hobbled cybersecurity agency 2025
- How Elon Musk's DOGE is a cybersecurity threat to our government." 2025
- Social media and political violence – how to break the cycle 2024
- "Lessons from ‘Star Trek: Picard’ – a cybersecurity expert explains how a sci-fi series illuminates today’s threats" 2023
- Cybersecurity and Local Government 2022
- Risk Awareness and the User Experience 2019
- Should the Government Require Companies to Meet Cybersecurity Standards for Critical Infrastructure?” 2018
- Political Realities of Cyber 2018
- The persuasion of perception: Internet narratives in the public consciousness 2017
- Hack, Play, Win: Lessons Learned Running The Maryland Cyber Challenge 2015
- Incident Response 2001
- What is Salt Typhoon? A security expert explains the Chinese hackers and their attack on US telecommunications networks."
- Pagers and walkie-talkies over cellphones – a security expert explains why Hezbollah went low-tech for communications
Presentations
- Testimony to the Maryland Senate Economic Matters Committee regarding ‘Right to Repair’ legislation 2021
- UMBC Testimony on state cybersecurity & the Maryland Technology Intern Program 2019
- Cybersecurity Challenges for Corporate Boards 2019
- The Dark Side of Data: When Information is Weaponized 2018
- Cyber Wars, the Secrets, the Spies 2017
- Growing and Sustaining Talent to Cultivate the Future Workforce 2017
- The Chaos of Context: Presentation, Perception, and Agency 2016
- Information Security Programs in Academia 2016
- Point, Click, Score: Building and Running Student Cyber-Competition Organizations 2015
- Get Off My Lawn: Examining Change through the Eyes of The Old Guard 2015
Grants and Contracts
- Workshop on AI-Generated Code 2025
- Collaborative Research: EAGER SaTC-EDU: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: From Research to the Classroom 2021
- UMBC Information Assurance Scholarship Program, with Protocol Analysis Lab 2018
- From Service to Study - Creating a Better Environment for UMBC Student Veterans 2017
- Supplement 2 to UMBC Cybersecurity Scholarship for Service Program and Innovations in Cybersecurity Education Workshop Series 2015
- 2014 Maryland Cyber Challenge Competition (MDC3) 2014
- 2012 Maryland Cyber Challenge Competition (MDC3) 2012
- Maryland Cyber Challenge Pilot Grant Scholarships 2011
Courses Taught
- Cybersecurity Project
- Ind Study In Comp Sci
- INDS Capstone
- Spec. Topics in Cybersecurity
- Social/Ethical Iss In IT