By staging war games, NATO members prepare for cyber attacks

Locked Shields is a large-scale cyber defense exercise organized by NATO in Tallinn, Estonia. It simulates a cyber attack on a fictional country, Beryllium, by Crim Zonia, to test the defense capabilities of NATO and EU nations. The exercise highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like power grids and water systems. Teams from various countries, including the US, collaborate to defend against these threats, emphasizing learning and information sharing. The exercise underscores the importance of cyber defense in an increasingly internet-dependent world.

What is the primary objective of the Locked Shields exercise?

• To simulate a real-world war scenario

• To test the military capabilities of NATO nations

• To enhance cyber defense skills and cooperation

• To develop new cyber weapons

Why are older systems particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks?

• They are not connected to the internet

• They were designed with outdated security measures

• They are too complex to hack

• They are protected by modern firewalls

What fictional country launches a cyberattack in the Locked Shields exercise?

• Beryllium

• Franzoni

• Crim Zonia

• Estonia

What was one of the major challenges faced by the teams during the exercise?

• Lack of internet connectivity

• Compromised water purification systems

• Natural disasters

• Insufficient personnel

How did the US team change its approach in the 2017 Locked Shields exercise?

• By using new cyber weapons

• By focusing on offensive strategies

• By collaborating with Baltic countries

• By competing individually

What is the main focus of the Locked Shields exercise according to Colonel Vile?

• Winning the competition

• Developing new technologies

• Learning and cooperation

• Increasing military spending

What is the significance of information sharing in the context of Locked Shields?

• It ensures better preparedness for real-world incidents

• It helps in developing new software

• It increases the number of participants

• It reduces the cost of the exercise