Brazilian Armed Forces participate in largest cyber exercise in the Southern Hemisphere

Brasilia (Federal District), October 17, 2024 - Since October 14, military personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force have been participating in the largest cyber exercise in the Southern Hemisphere — the Guardião Cibernético (EGC 6.0). On Thursday (17), Defense Minister José Mucio Monteiro attended the training activities at the Superior School of Defense (Escola Superior de Defesa / ESD) in Brasília, Federal District. The exercise simulates virtual attacks targeting a country's critical infrastructure. This year’s exercise involves 140 organizations and participants from roughly 30 countries.

“Today, we face invisible adversaries. The enemy is no longer one we can see but one that watches us through computers. That is why these exercises are so crucial. The joint efforts of the three branches must be encouraged and expanded to ensure future readiness. No one can ever be fully prepared for the damage a cyberattack can cause. That is why investing in continuous training and skill-building is essential to face the emerging threat,” stated Minister José Mucio.

His visit was accompanied by the Chief Minister of the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency (Chefe do Gabinete de Segurança Institucional da Presidência da República), Marcos Antonio Amaro dos Santos; Fleet Admiral and Navy Commander (Comandante da Marinha, Almirante de Esquadra) Marcos Sampaio Olsen; Commanding General of the Army (Comandante do Exército, General) Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva; and ESD Commander and Rector, Brigadier General (Comandante e Reitora da ESD, Major-Brigadeiro) Carla Lyrio Martins.

The exercise continues through Friday (October 18). It is designed to foster collaboration among participants to enable them to develop strategic solutions to cyberattacks on Brazil's critical infrastructure, including defense, communications, biosafety, nuclear industry, transportation, water, energy, and finance. The aim is to strengthen the Armed Forces' operational capabilities while promoting more significant interaction among the federal government, the private sector, academia, and society.

For the first time, this year’s training incorporates a cyber operations simulator featuring a game open to public and private organizations. The game consists of simulated cyber challenges and dynamics, with expert participation. Simultaneous constructive and virtual simulations are conducted at the ESD in Brasília and at the 2^nd Army Division Command (Comando da 2ª Divisão de Exército) in São Paulo.

CYBER GUARDIAN – Launched in 2018, this annual exercise is led by the Ministry of Defense (Ministério da Defesa/MD) and coordinated by the Army’s Cyber Defense Command/Comando de Defesa Cibernética do Exército/ComDCiber). With realistic simulations, the training activity aims to enhance the Armed Forces and participating institutions' readiness to defend national security and protect critical infrastructure, thereby reinforcing Brazil's defense capabilities. 

By Rayane Bueno
Photos: Luis Carbo e Hisaac Gomes

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