Locked Shields

History

2022: NATO Cyber Exercises in Estonia

In mid-April 2022, NATO began large-scale cybersecurity exercises in Estonia. The annual event called Locked Shields is designed to enhance the skills of cybersecurity specialists who protect national IT systems and critical infrastructure in the face of real-time attacks.

Participants are sent to a fictional country to help it cope with a large-scale cyber attack. More than 2 thousand people from 32 countries, including Ukraine, are expected to participate. In 2022, the Locked Shields event takes place against the backdrop of Russia's special operation in Ukraine, in which hacking plays a constant, albeit relatively muted role. Hackers on both sides are accused of attacks on government agencies, as well as attempts to break into power systems. Companies are subject to regular cyber attacks.

NATO cyber exercises begin in Estonia

{{quote 'By working with other organizations under secure conditions such as Locked Shields, we can get an idea of what others are doing and learn first-hand what works and what doesn't. It also opens up opportunities for deeper discussion of processes and technologies that each participant can improve to improve overall cybersecurity, said Mastercard Security Director Ron Green. }}

Concerns cyber attacks about the spread beyond the war zone. Finland reported an attack on government sites in early April 2022, just when there were suggestions that this Scandinavian country could apply to join, and the NATO president USA Joe Biden warned American business to prepare for retaliatory cyber attacks in response to sanctions imposed on Russia.

In 2022, there will be from 5 to 10 large financial institutions among the participants, including Mastercard and Banco Santander, according to the EU Financial Services Exchange and Analysis Center. The exercises continue until April 22, 2022.^[1]

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