Ukraine to Participate in NATO’s Locked Shields 2024 Cyber Security Exercise

Ukraine to Participate in NATO’s Largest Cyber Security Exercise, Locked Shields 2024

Ukraine is set to participate in NATO’s largest cyber security exercise, Locked Shields 2024, for the first time from 22-26 April. The National Cyber Security Coordination Center announced this exciting development, highlighting Ukraine’s growing role in international cyber defense efforts.

Locked Shields 2024, organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), will bring together around 4,000 experts from over 40 countries in Estonia. The participants will work together to protect a fictional nation’s infrastructure from cyber-attacks, simulating realistic scenarios to enhance their skills and cooperation.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine joined the NATO Cyber Center in March 2022, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening cyber defense capabilities. This year, Ukraine will collaborate with the Czech Republic in a joint team for the exercises, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences and working together to counter modern cyber threats.

Lieutenant Colonel Urmet Tomp, Head of Exercises at NATO CCDCOE, emphasized the exercise’s role in fostering international cooperation and building resilient global cyber defense. With the growing number of participants each year, Locked Shields has become a crucial platform for strengthening international collaboration in cyber defense.

Since its establishment in 2010, Locked Shields has set the standard for comprehensive cyber readiness, becoming the world’s largest and most realistic cyber defense drill. The participation of Ukraine in this year’s exercise marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its cyber security capabilities and contribute to global cyber defense efforts.

The involvement of Ukraine in Locked Shields 2024 highlights the importance of international cooperation in countering cyber threats and building a more secure digital environment. As the world faces increasing cyber challenges, exercises like Locked Shields play a vital role in preparing experts to respond effectively to evolving cyber threats.