Graduates of the Core Human Resource Development Program participated in “Locked Shields 2024”

“Locked Shields” is the world’s largest cyber defence exercise, organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE).

The event was held from 23rd to 26th of April, 2024 and attended by approximately 40 countries, including NATO member states. From Japan, in addition to the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, a total of approximately 170 people from the National center of Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), the National Police Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, critical infrastructure businesses took part. Also, 16 graduates of the Core Human Resource Development Program of the Industrial Cyber Security Center of Excellence (ICSCoE), IPA participated in the event.

Participants are challenged to test their comprehensive cyber defense skills, including protection against attacks and cyber resilience, in a scenario that resembles a large-scale cyberattack on critical infrastructure and other systems in a fictional country. At this year’s event, a total of 18 Teams including joint Japan-UK team, completed the four-day exercise to horn their skills.

During the exercise, more than 8,000 cyberattacks were carried out, which involved about 6,000 virtual systems, including electricity and gas plants. Participants are required to practice their handling skills in different areas, such as protection techniques for systems from attacks, response skills to minimize damage and team building. The graduates made a positive impact on the team’s accomplishments by using their advanced security skills and practical experience they gained during the year-long program. The graduates’ performance, which has improved steadily since their first participation in 2020, was highly praised.

The aim of participation in this exercise is to gain experience and skills in organisational incident response that can be used in cybersecurity countermeasure practice at critical infrastructure businesses in Japan, which will lead to strengthening defense capabilities.

• CCDCOE Locked Shields