The Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Cyberspace Operations Group recently participated in Locked Shields 2024, a prominent live-fire cyber defense exercise hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). Held with international partners from Estonia and France, this exercise is the largest of its kind, designed to enhance global cyber defense capabilities. The event focused on real-world scenarios, emphasizing collaboration and improving defensive strategies against cyber threats. Locked Shields 2024 brought together national cyber rapid reaction teams, including the Maryland Airmen, to handle simulated large-scale cyber incidents.
Participants, operating in blue teams, worked to address a range of cyber challenges including forensic, legal, and media aspects. The exercise simulated offensive and defensive tactics, allowing teams to test and refine their abilities to respond effectively to cyber threats. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Deluca highlighted the importance of this exercise in fostering trust and cooperation among international cyber experts.
By working closely with Estonian and French counterparts, the Maryland Airmen gained valuable insights and experience, contributing to a stronger collective defense against global cyber threats. The exercise provided a platform for sharing knowledge and improving tactical responses in a controlled environment. The longstanding partnership between the Maryland National Guard and Estonia, built over 30 years through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, was further strengthened by this exercise. Deluca emphasized the ongoing collaboration and future plans with both Estonian and French partners, aiming to expand their joint cyber activities and enhance their defensive capabilities against evolving cyber adversaries.
Reference:
- https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/cybersecurity/maryland-air-national-guard-participates-in-the-worlds-largest-cyber-defense-exercise-in-estonia/
