Manama: Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Commander of the Royal Guard, and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council (SDC), the national cyber drill Cyber Shield 2025 began today under the theme "Supply Chain Attacks". The exercise brings together government bodies, critical sectors, and private organisations as part of Bahrain's ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber defences and enhance readiness to counter emerging threats.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the drill is organised by the National Cybersecurity Centre and runs from August 26 to 31. It simulates an advanced cyberattack scenario to test the preparedness of participating entities and the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. The exercise also aims to develop technical capabilities, refine defensive measures, and promote best practices in cyber crisis management.
Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), stated that the exercise is a cornerstone of Bahrain's cybersecurity strategy. It helps build national expertise, raises awareness across government and vital sectors, and reinforces joint institutional efforts to confront evolving digital risks. He highlighted that more than 560 participants from sectors including government, security, health, banking, transport, communications, energy, industry, and education are taking part, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of cyber resilience.
The CEO added that Cyber Shield 2025 represents a strategic step towards consolidating Bahrain's cybersecurity framework. This aligns with the leadership's vision to safeguard the Kingdom's digital space and ensure the readiness of national teams to respond effectively to cyber incidents.