Largest Cyber Exercise Hosted by JYVSECTEC Tests National Security Authorities

From September 25-29, 2023, JYVSECTEC, the Cyber Security branch of Jamk University of Applied Sciences, organized an unprecedented cyber exercise that saw participation from over 200 individuals spanning nearly 20 organizations. Essential service providers like Traficom's National Cyber Security Centre, the Finnish Defence Forces, and the Finnish Border Guards, among others, joined the event.

These annual cyber exercises by JYVSECTEC are crucial for enhancing the technical and operational prowess of security authorities, preparing them for potential large-scale network disruptions. Pekka Jokinen, the director of Traficom's National Cyber Security Centre, highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity and the need for various authorities to review their practices and prioritize collaboration.

Rauli Paananen and Tero Kokkonen directed the week-long exercise which was conducted in the RGCE, a closed environment simulating realistic global cyber settings developed by JYVSECTEC. This environment allows participants to safely practice countering cyber threats. During the exercise, state actors tried to influence various official entities through multiple routes, demonstrating the necessity for information synthesis and inter-agency cooperation.

The key themes reiterated throughout the exercise were the importance of collaboration between different organizations and the constant enhancement of technical expertise. This initiative was supported by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, with the Security Committee also contributing to its execution.