UA Little Rock Cybersecurity Expert to Share AI Insights During Forge Institute Talk

Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and director of the Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center (CORE), will present a virtual talk on the future of AI-powered cybersecurity as part of the Forge Institute’s Igniting Ingenuity Lab Insights series.

The event, titled “AI-Assisted Cybersecurity Clinic Operations,” will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Attendees can register at forge.institute/events.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming essential in tracking digital assets, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing threats. In this session, Huff will discuss how AI tools are actively used at UA Little Rock to support analysts and student researchers in strengthening cyber defense strategies. He will also preview new prototypes under development for the university’s cybersecurity clinics, which aim to transform raw threat data into clear, actionable intelligence for Arkansas organizations.

“This is a pivotal time for cybersecurity innovation,” Huff said. “We’re working with students and industry to develop tools that don’t just detect threats but help organizations understand them and respond effectively, especially those without deep cybersecurity expertise.”

In addition to his academic leadership, Huff is co-founder and chief scientist of Bastazo, a cybersecurity startup. His talk reflects UA Little Rock’s continued collaboration with the Forge Institute, a nonprofit based in Arkansas that brings together public and private partners to drive cybersecurity innovation and workforce development.

Founded in 2018, the Forge Institute works to keep the U.S. “Forever One Step Ahead” in cybersecurity and national defense. Its partnership with UA Little Rock includes joint research initiatives, workforce training, and support for student engagement in real-world cybersecurity challenges.