For the first time, Ukraine held regional command and staff exercises and practical cybersecurity competitions for the Balkan countries

For the first time, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine organized the international strategic-level command and control exercise (C&C) Cyber Resilience Strategies and the Regional Cyber Shield practical cybersecurity competition (CTF). The event, which took place on November 27, was attended by representatives of Slovenia, Montenegro, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo.

The purpose of the TTX “Cyber Resilience Strategies” was to improve international cooperation and coordination between countries to ensure effective response to large-scale cyber attacks and accompanying information operations.

The scenario developed by Ukrainian experts included coordination of actions between countries and authorized institutions within each country, cooperation with the private sector and NGOs, and development of response algorithms in conditions of limited or absent communication channels. The tasks were aimed at ensuring effective interaction even in crisis situations where traditional mechanisms of management and information exchange are not available.

“Today, cyberspace is an arena of global confrontation, and the Russian Federation uses it as a tool of war not only against Ukraine, but also against European countries and NATO members. On the eve of a full-scale invasion, the NCCC conducted strategic command and staff exercises that significantly contributed to the cyber resilience of our country. So now we are sharing this unique experience with international partners to strengthen their cyber capabilities and join forces to enhance cybersecurity across Europe,” said Natalia Tkachuk, Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Secretary of the NCCC, opening the event.

The Regional Cyber Shield cybersecurity competition (CTF) was held at the Ukrainian cyber range Unit Range and was a practical test based on Ukraine's unique experience in countering Russian cyber aggression. Participants worked on tasks that modeled real challenges in the energy and telecommunications sector, including detecting unauthorized access, conducting security audits, countering threats, artificial intelligence, etc.

The exercise was organized by the NCCC under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine jointly with the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF Global) with the support of the U.S. Department of State and in cooperation with the Slovenian Government Information Security Office (URSIV). Technological support was provided by Cyber Unit Technologies and the Institute for Cyber Warfare Research (ICWR).

The events demonstrated Ukraine's leadership role and significant contribution to the development of international cybersecurity, and helped strengthen the collective cyber resilience of European countries.