Simulating Cyber-Resilience: The Strategic Role of the Locked Shields Exercise in Enhancing International Cyber Preparedness
Christopher A. Ramezan et al.
Publication Date
2-23-2026
Abstract
As cyberthreats to critical infrastructure remain prevalent, national response mechanisms must evolve beyond the technical domain to incorporate legal, communicative, strategic, and cross-sector coordination. This work explores Locked Shields, an annual exercise conducted by NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, as a pedagogical and conceptual framework for simulating whole-of-government responses to cyber incidents. Unlike traditional cyber..