Yerevan, Armenia – December 5-6, 2024 – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA), with support from the Central Bank of Armenia and the Ministry of High-Tech Industry, successfully organized the first national CyberDrill for Armenia. The event, held in Yerevan, brought together over 200 professionals from government, academia, and critical infrastructure sectors to strengthen the country's cybersecurity capabilities and foster cross-sectoral collaboration.

The primary goal of the CyberDrill is to enhance the communication and incident response capabilities of various stakeholders, including government bodies, regulators, telecommunication operators, financial institutions and utilities. By engaging a wide range of participants, the event aimed to foster a coordinated response to the growing threats in cybersecurity and ensure the resilience of Armenia’s critical infrastructure.

The first day of the event featured in-depth discussions on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, both globally and regionally, with a focus on Armenia’s specific context. Experts explored the latest trends in cybersecurity, challenges, and the role of emerging technologies. Key discussions centered on building a secure and resilient digital future through multi-stakeholder collaboration, innovative approaches, and effective policy frameworks. Topics included legal measures, technical advancements, organizational structures, capacity-building initiatives, and regional cooperation efforts.

A key feature of the day was a series of tabletop exercises designed for the financial and telecom industries. These interactive sessions allowed participants to engage in scenario-based discussions, simulating emergency responses and exploring how various organizational teams can work together during a crisis to review roles, procedures, and responses in real time.

On the second day, the focus shifted to hands-on technical training for critical infrastructure operators. Participants took part in structured exercises based on simulated cyber threats, including emerging forms of cyberattacks. These simulations offered valuable insights into understanding, preventing and responding to cyber risks, providing participants with the tools and knowledge to enhance their preparedness and resilience. The exercises were designed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and promote the exchange of expertise and information among participants.

In his speech, Director of the Information Systems Agency, Nerses Yeritsyan, specifically stated: “The first national CyberDrill not only facilitated a deeper understanding of current cybersecurity threats but also provided a platform for ongoing collaboration and capacity building among Armenia's key cybersecurity stakeholders. Through this event, Armenia has further solidified its commitment to developing a robust cybersecurity framework that can protect its critical infrastructure and ensure the safety and security of its digital environment”.