Bit Sentinel is proud to once again take part in Locked Shields, the world’s largest and most sophisticated live-fire cyber defence exercise.

The 2026 edition, held from April 20-24, saw our team on the front lines of global security. Our colleagues Alexandru Bogatu, Penetration Tester, and Cătălin Tudose, Cybersecurity Engineer, represented us in this elite effort to push the boundaries of cyber resilience and protect our digital future.

A real-world test of cyber defence

Organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), Locked Shields brings together approximately 4,000 cybersecurity professionals from 41 nations. Participants are tasked with defending simulated national IT systems and critical infrastructure against thousands of complex, real-time attacks.

This is not a theoretical exercise. It is a high-pressure environment designed to replicate the realities of modern cyber conflict – where technical expertise must be combined with strategic thinking, legal awareness, and effective communication.

A tradition of involvement

Bit Sentinel’s presence at Locked Shields is not new. Over the years, our team has consistently contributed to this flagship exercise – both by participating in defensive operations and by supporting the development of scenarios and exercises.

This longstanding involvement reflects our deep commitment to advancing cyber defence capabilities, not only within our organization but also across the broader cybersecurity community. 

As noted by Cătălin Tudose, Cyber Security Engineer @Bit Sentinel:

Participating in Locked Shields 2026 for the second time was a really good experience. It was great to see how much the team has improved since last year – we were noticeably sharper, better coordinated, and more confident throughout the exercises. It was definitely worth being there. Looking forward to coming back next year!

Beyond technology: the full spectrum of cyber crisis response

What makes Locked Shields unique is its holistic approach. Teams are challenged not only to detect and respond to cyberattacks, but also to:

• Maintain critical services under sustained pressure
• Navigate legal and regulatory implications
• Manage strategic decision-making in real time
• Coordinate communication across multiple stakeholders

Every scenario reflects real-world threats, making this exercise a benchmark for operational readiness in today’s evolving threat landscape.

As highlighted by Alexandru Bogatu, Penetration Tester @Bit Sentinel:

The exercise was a rewarding experience where I had the opportunity to play a role in defending a complex infrastructure. Even though I was in a technical role directly responsible for remediating vulnerabilities, my ability to communicate promptly and effectively with other departments was also put to the test, ensuring that the environment remained secure and operational – even during sophisticated attacks.

Strong partnerships, shared mission

We are honored to contribute to this initiative alongside national and international partners. We extend our sincere appreciation to Ministerul Apărării Naționale and Comandamentul Apărării Cibernetice for their trust and continued collaboration.

Working side by side with Romania’s public and private sector specialists reinforces a shared mission: building a stronger, more resilient cyber ecosystem.

Representing Bit Sentinel

Participation in Locked Shields reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in cybersecurity. Having Alexandru Bogatu and Cătălin Tudose involved in such a demanding and prestigious exercise is both a recognition of their expertise and a testament to the strength and continuity of the Bit Sentinel team.

As emphasized by Andrei Avădănei, Bit Sentinel’s CEO:

Our continued involvement in Locked Shields reflects our long-term commitment to excellence in cyber defence. These exercises are essential not only for sharpening technical capabilities, but for strengthening collaboration, resilience, and strategic thinking in the face of increasingly complex threats. We are proud to stand alongside our partners and contribute to a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem.

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and complexity, initiatives like Locked Shields play a critical role in preparing defenders for what lies ahead.

We are committed to standing on the front line – year after year.