The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Tallinn, Estonia, is hosting the Locked Shields 2025 cyber defense exercise this week. Nearly 4,000 experts from 41 NATO allies and partner nations are participating in this high-stakes event, with participation numbers consistent with the previous year. The exercise aims to test and improve the preparedness of national cybersecurity teams by simulating a variety of sophisticated cyberattacks on critical systems and infrastructure.
Locked Shields 2025 challenges 17 blue teams, who are tasked with defending 8,000 virtual systems on a cyber range hosted by the CR14 Foundation.
The cyberattacks they face are designed to be extremely realistic, simulating the kinds of threats nations may face in real-world scenarios. This year’s exercise introduces additional challenges related to the emerging fields of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI), presenting participants with a new set of obstacles to overcome.
In addition to defending against cyberattacks, participants must address issues like disinformation, political pressure, and infrastructure problems. They are also expected to navigate the complex legal and strategic communications aspects that arise in high-pressure cybersecurity scenarios. The exercise highlights the multifaceted nature of modern cyber threats, which extend far beyond technical defenses to include social, political, and legal considerations.
Mart Noorma, director of the NATO CCDCOE, emphasized the growing threats to critical infrastructure, pointing to ongoing cyberattacks against Ukraine’s energy grids and global incidents like ransomware attacks on hospitals. He noted that Locked Shields helps nations prepare to defend not just their networks but also the essential services their societies rely on. As cyber threats evolve, Noorma highlighted the importance of resilience, which is built through cooperation, shared challenges, and continuous training.
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