The training organization team (f.l.t.r.): Alex Townsend-Drake, Head of Programme, Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network (CTPN), Philipp Agathonos, Head of Unit, Ministry for European and External Affairs (BMeiA), Martin Stierle, Head of Competence Unit Security and Communication Technologies (AIT), Helmut Leopold, Head of Center for Digital Safety & Security (AIT), Mauro Medico, Director, UN Counter Terrorism Centre (UNOCT), Balques Al Radwan, Programme Management Officer, Cybersecurity and New Technologies Programme (UNOCT/UNCCT), Alexandre Goulfier, Associate Expert, Cybersecurity & New Technologies (UNOCT), Eric Eifert, Cyber Security Research Engineer, Center for Digital Safety & Security (AIT), Donald Dudenhoeffer, Cyber Security Research Engineer, Center for Digital Safety & Security (AIT)
Mauro Medico (UNOCT) thanking Helmut Leopold (AIT) for the excellent partnership and cooperation.
On 27 and 28 March 2024, the Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network (CTPN) and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), in partnership with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, conducted a strategic, scenario-based, roundtable table-top exercise focused on a terrorist cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure. The two day event took place at AIT facilities in Vienna and included participation from eight cities. The exercise highlighted current challenges facing city leadership around vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure, deep fake/disinformation campaigns, coordination, and incident response, amplified with emerging threats from generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). “We are pleased to be able to work with and support the UN on such a critical topic. Sharing our experience and new tools to help combat cyber-attacks is one of our core services”, said Helmut Leopold, Head of Center for Digital Safety & Security, AIT. “We greatly appreciate the collaboration and support provided by AIT in delivering this two day exercise in Vienna. Their knowledge and expertise in this space resulted in a very successful exercise that provided tremendous value to the participating cities”, said Mauro Medico, Director, UN Counter Terrorism Centre, UNOCT.
Cyber Security Training for 8 Global Smart Cities
Representatives from eight cities, namely Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, New York City, Seoul, Singapore, and Stockholm, took part in the scenario-based table-top exercise. Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), cyber security specialists and law enforcement as well as counter-terrorism experts shared good practices in information security for critical infrastructure protection. They explored response structures, capabilities, and contingencies through the scenario exercise.
International Recognized Cyber Security Training Center
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology has established a globally recognized position as an expert center for cyber security training for digital infrastructures. The powerful and modern AIT Cyber Range supports cyber security training for IT and OT systems for skill development and capacity building for critical infrastructure operators, system developers, public authorities, large enterprises and SMEs.
AIT is globally the first IAEA Collaborating Centre for Cyber Security Training for the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA). It is also training partner for the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) and supports the national KSÖ cyber security exercises for Austrian critical infrastructure operators and public authorities.
Further information:
- AIT Cyber Range – Training Center: https://cyberrange.at/
- News-Story at IAEA Website: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/ait-austrian-institute-of-technology-becomes-the-first-iaea-collaborating-centre-for-information-and-computer-security-for-nuclear-security
KSÖ Cyber Security Training: https://www.ait.ac.at/en/news-events/single-view/detail/8011?cHash=d3d5eb453e130ff6d797219483cca849