The HiohSec Research Lab is a hands on environment I use to study how small business systems get breached and how to defend them. It supports training, testing, and improving the services offered by HiohSec
A simulation of a typical Ohio small business network built to show how weak passwords, outdated devices, and simple misconfigurations can lead to real security risks. The project demonstrates how attackers gain access and how those issues can be fixed with practical, affordable steps
As part of my senior project at the University of Akron, I’m developing a security lab environment that recreates breach scenarios using real small business and cultivation equipment. The goal is to help growers and similar operations understand where their systems are vulnerable and how to secure them before something goes wrong.
This project blends visual demonstrations with real world relevance and highlights how operational technology can be exposed without proper safeguards.
If you’re a grower, vendor, or educator curious about how these systems get breached and how to stop it, let’s talk!
Why It Matters: A Real-World Breach Example in Ohio
This is a reminder that growers and small businesses need visibility, planning, and trusted cybersecurity partners. This public breach is not affiliated with HiohSec.
Case Study: Willoway April 2024
🌿 Willoway Nurseries in Huron, OH was hit by a ransomware attack right in the middle of their Mother’s Day shipping season, the most profitable window of the year. Their IT team discovered the breach around 4:30 a.m., and the attackers had already infiltrated systems and printed out ransom notes across the facility even leaving one on the copier tray.
The attackers targeted: