![Locked Shields]()
Locked Shields - World's Largest Cybersecurity Exercise.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
![a strong result]()
The Swedish-Icelandic-American team finished at place 8 - a strong result in a highly competitive and high-tech environment.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
This year, around 40 nations participated across 17 teams. Sweden participated together with Iceland and the United States, with the entire joint team gathered at the Command Regiment in Enköping.
The 4th Cyber Defence Unit was responsible for Sweden's participation
During the exercise, cooperation between the military and civilian sectors in the context of cybersecurity was strengthened. Team participants came from the Swedish Armed Forces, other government agencies, and civilian organizations – all aiming to develop cross-sectoral cooperation in the protection of critical infrastructure.
“By jointly training personnel from authorities and civilian organizations, the unit gains a unique opportunity to strengthen the ability to defend the critical infrastructure on which the Armed Forces depend”, says Lieutenant Colonel Tomas Wallin, Commander of the 4th Cyber Defence Unit.
From Technology to Strategy
The goal of participation was to train at all levels – from technical defense capabilities to strategic decision-making. The exercise took place in a highly realistic virtual environment where the teams jointly defended a fictional nation against cyberattacks and influence operations. At the same time, the team addressed legal and strategic communication challenges.
“Our objective has been to utilize the full scope of the exercise. That is critical for our ability to deliver qualified cyber defense”, says Tomas Wallin.
An Important Part of Sweden’s Defense and NATO Integration
Locked Shields not only strengthens national capabilities but also enhances collaboration with key international partners. Participation has further deepened Sweden’s relationships with both Iceland and the United States, while contributing to Sweden’s integration into NATO.
“It has been inspiring to follow the team’s development and cooperation across agency and national boundaries. The exercise is an important part of both Sweden’s total defense and our global responsibility”, says Cyber Defense Administrator Jakob Kretschmer.
Results
Although Locked Shields is primarily a training exercise, all teams are scored. The Swedish-Icelandic-American team finished place 8.