Locked Shields 2026, the largest and most complex international cyber defense exercise under the auspices of NATO, once again brought together thousands of experts from the public and private sectors, the military, and academia. Over several intense days, participants defended simulated national infrastructure in real time; from energy systems and 5G networks to satellite and election systems against thousands of sophisticated cyberattacks. Experts from KING ICT also took part in the exercise, further demonstrating their expertise and active role in strengthening cybersecurity.
What makes this exercise unique is not only its technical complexity, but also its realistic scenarios, which incorporate legal, communication, and strategic challenges, as well as increasingly common threats such as disinformation and AI-powered attacks. This comprehensive approach enables participants to develop effective responses to modern security incidents.
All those involved, from government institutions to private companies, emphasize that the greatest value of the exercise lies in learning through practice and sharing experiences. In addition to improving technical skills, the exercise provides a rare opportunity for experts to connect and strengthen mutual trust, which is crucial in times of crisis.
The importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors also stood out. While the private sector brings specialized and advanced expertise, the military benefits from exercises like this by gaining insight into the breadth of available expertise and new ways to apply it in protecting critical infrastructure.
Effective cyber defense today depends on collective action, continuous learning, and strong collaboration among all stakeholders.
