In recent weeks, the Virginia National Guard’s State Military Reserve in Virginia Beach has become a vibrant center for cyber defense education and training. The annual Cyber Shield event, which ran from May 31 to June 15, 2024, welcomed nearly 1,000 participants, including Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, civilian cyber professionals, and international partners.
Cyber Shield, recognized as the Department of Defense’s (DoD) longest-running and largest cyber defense exercise, has grown significantly in scope and importance. The event is not only a training ground but also a testament to the strategic vision of U.S. cyber defense initiatives. The inclusion of partner nations such as Poland, Moldova, Lithuania, Romania, Georgia, and Kosovo underscores the scope of the exercise, fostering a collaborative environment to combat global cyber threats.
The exercises conducted at Cyber Shield are intense and varied, including courses aimed at honing various skills such as Pen+, Security+, Linux+, and CISSP certifications. The Virginia Beach event also featured the Certified Cyber Exercise Assessor Course, a critical component in training cyber professionals to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities in real time.
Team leaders and participants emphasized Cyber Shield’s dual priorities: skills building and international cooperation. According to Master Sergeant Todd Webster, a North Carolina Army National Guard cybersecurity team leader, the event serves as a critical platform both to help businesses and countries develop cybersecurity and to provide aid on a global scale.
This year, Cyber Shield also incorporated competitive elements such as the NetWars competition, where participants tested their cybersecurity skills in real-world scenarios. This competition not only stimulates technical abilities, but also strengthens the spirit of collaboration among participants.
Lt. Col. Brian Dodd, Cyber Shield Cyber Defense Team Leader, highlighted key learning outcomes from the event. Each iteration of Cyber Shield aims to deepen participants’ understanding and response capabilities to cybersecurity incidents. Given the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks, such gatherings are invaluable for preparedness and resilience.
In short, Cyber Shield represents a critical crossroads of training, cooperation, and advancement in international cyber defense initiatives. As cyber threats evolve, the need for comprehensive and inclusive training environments like Cyber Shield becomes increasingly important, where the future defenders of global cybersecurity are shaped and tested.
