The British Army organized Defence Cyber Marvel 2 (DCM2), a cyber exercise that brought together more than 750 cyber specialists from different backgrounds, including Defence personnel, government agencies, industry partners, and other nations. The event, which took over 12 months to plan, was held in Tallinn, Estonia, and lasted seven days.
DCM2 was designed to test the skills of cyber specialists in responding to simulated cyber threats, including attacks on networks, industry control systems, and unmanned robotic systems, similar to the tactics used by Russia to disrupt Ukrainian cyberspace in the early days of the invasion a year ago. Nearly 900 personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF, as well as teams from several other countries, took part in the exercise.
Participants were judged on the effectiveness and speed of their response, as well as their ability to identify and adapt to new threats quickly. The exercise provided an opportunity for personnel from different countries to share learning and best practices while building their skills in the cyber and electromagnetic domain.
The event was held virtually, with many teams based in their home countries and connected to a cyber range controlled in Tallinn, Estonia. This setup allowed more countries to take part in the exercise.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized the importance of training personnel to recognize and respond to cyber threats with speed and capability. He noted that the modern battlefield is evolving rapidly, and it is vital for personnel to adapt quickly to these changes.
Colonel Ian Hargreaves, Chair of the Army Cyber Association, said that the exercise was an opportunity for personnel to develop their cyberspace knowledge and skills, and to experiment with new techniques. He added that innovation is necessary to stay ahead of those who would wish harm to the UK.
The exercise was designed to stretch even the most experienced and battle-hardened cyber specialists in the UK Defence. Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander Strategic Command, noted that events like Defence Cyber Marvel showcase the talent already present in Defence.
The Defence Cyber Academy and the Cyber Aptitude Assessment, both launched by Defence, are examples of the commitment to provide personnel with the skills needed to respond to non-traditional threats. These initiatives identify and foster talent, providing a unique challenge on the front line of the UK’s defence.
Defence Cyber Marvel 2 was a successful event that brought together cyber specialists from various backgrounds to test their skills in responding to simulated cyber threats. The exercise provided an opportunity for personnel to learn and share best practices while developing their cyber knowledge and skills. It also demonstrated the UK’s commitment to providing personnel with the necessary skills to respond to non-traditional threats.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
