21 October 2024
For the second year running, the ADF conducted Exercise Cyber Sentinels – a tactical mission rehearsal activity to strengthen partner military cyber capabilities, resilience and training.
Hosted in Canberra, tactical teams from Cyber Command and Five Eyes counterparts combined to defend networks against high-fidelity simulated threats while testing processes in complex and dynamic training scenarios.
Seventy-seven personnel, largely drawn from 462 Squadron, 138 Signal Squadron and Fleet Cyber Unit, teamed up with 100 international participants during the exercise held from September 16-27.
Exercise director Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Corrigan, of Cyber Forces Group, said this year’s iteration built upon the previous Australia-US exercise by extending invitations to Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“The purpose of this exercise was to conduct rehearsal activities for Cyberspace Force and task elements in a mission-relevant terrain against a real-world scenario and threat actors,” he said.
“It played a critical role in our ability to assess and validate operational preparedness, including concepts, capabilities and tactics.”
Lieutenant Colonel Corrigan said it helped shape Cyber Command’s intended contribution to future joint training and multi-domain exercises, such as Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Corporal Mason-John Hill, of 138 Signal Squadron and a team lead, said the most beneficial aspect of the exercise was the opportunity to engage with and learn from international counterparts.
“By observing their operational techniques and processes firsthand, we expanded our understanding of diverse cyber operation methods,” Corporal Hill said.
“The value of face-to-face interactions during these exercises cannot be overstated. They foster trust, collaboration and a more comprehensive global approach to cyber security.”
Exercise Cyber Sentinels is the largest annual exercise for ADF cyber units and a milestone activity in the regional effort to enhance collective preparedness in the increasingly contested cyber domain.
