Joseph M. Hatfield

Dr. Joseph M. Hatfield is an Assistant Professor in the Cyber Science Department at the United States Naval Academy. He transitioned to academia in 2024 after a 29-year military career in naval intelligence, including combat support roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, leadership at U.S. Africa Command, and department head positions in Sicily. His teaching focuses on cybersecurity fundamentals, human factors in cybersecurity, and cyber warfare. He has received multiple military honors including the Joint Service Achievement Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Research interests span intelligence analysis methodologies, cybersecurity ethics, and interdisciplinary educational approaches. His work bridges military strategy, ethical philosophy, and technical cybersecurity challenges. Notable contributions include frameworks for assessing insider threats and philosophical analyses of intelligence operations under different political systems.

Publications highlight expertise in open-source intelligence limitations, social engineering tactics, and historical case studies of national security breaches. Current academic efforts emphasize preparing military personnel for evolving cyber threats through rigorous technical and ethical training.