Malta’s first participation in Locked Shields 2025

Written by

Caroline Schembri Cardona – Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment & Roderick Lia – Malta Information Technology Agency

The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment (MHSE), in close collaboration with the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) and the National Cybersecurity Steering Committee (NCSC), has coordinated the participation in Locked Shields, the world’s largest and most complex international live-fire cyber defence exercise.

Organised annually by the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Tallinn, Estonia, Locked Shields simulates large-scale cyber-attacks targeting critical national infrastructure. The exercise brings together cyber defence professionals from around the world to test their capabilities in real-time scenarios involving systems such as power grids, military networks, financial services, and other essential sectors.

Malta’s interest in participating in Locked Shields reflects its commitment to enhancing national cyber resilience, improving interministerial collaboration, strengthening international relations and cybersecurity initiatives.

In line with the exercise’s collaborative nature, Malta accepted an invitation from Slovakia to join forces during the 15th edition of Locked Shields. The Slovakia–Malta team was one of 17 teams from 41 nations that took part in the simulated cyber-attacks.

Team Malta composed of 16 members drawn from a range of ministries and entities, including MITA, MHSE, the Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Police Force, the Malta Critical Infrastructure Protection, the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Malta Financial Services Authority, and Bank of Valletta.

The team worked collectively to develop skills aligned with the exercise’s demanding technical and strategic scenarios, incorporating tactical decision-making, legal considerations, and crisis communication. The Maltese participants emphasised the importance of collaboration and real-time simulations. Kirsty Borg from MITA stated that “it was a fast-moving, high-stakes exercise that demanded focus, adaptability, and clear communication. It was an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with skilled professionals across disciplines and nations.”

Georgi Petrov from MGA referred to Locked Shields 2025 as “one of the most complex and technically challenging experiences of my career. The collaboration within the Slovakia–Malta team, the knowledge we shared, and the lessons we learned from each other are something I will always deeply appreciate.”

Robert Muscat from MITA, who was the Team Lead for Malta, recognised that “Locked Shields 2025 was a true test of our collective resilience, quick thinking, and openness to learning from one another. Leading such a dedicated group of professionals, who consistently went above and beyond, was an absolute privilege.”

The Slovakia–Malta team achieved a respectable 5th place overall, finishing just behind the top three.

Malta’s first appearance in Locked Shields 2025 marks a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to strengthening national cyber defence capabilities. The strong performance and collaborative effort underline the country’s growing maturity in cybersecurity and its preparedness to the evolving digital cyber threats.