Participating this week in the Cyber Flag 24-1 exercise, organized by the US Cyber Command at the Joint Staff facilities in Suffolk, Virginia, marks a significant milestone for Brazilian cybersecurity. This prestigious international event, focused on defending simulated critical infrastructures—particularly power plants and SCADA systems—represents Brazil’s inaugural participation. With a team of esteemed Brazilian specialists, this opportunity underscores the commitment to enhancing national and international cybersecurity cooperation.

Cyber Flag 24-1 unites experts from multiple nations to bolster response capabilities and cooperative efforts against cyber threats targeting critical infrastructures. The importance of this mission is paramount, as it directly influences the protection of systems vital to the functioning of modern societies. The insights and experience gained during this exercise will be instrumental in refining cybersecurity strategies, fortifying the resilience of industrial systems, and advancing Brazil's role in global cybersecurity defense.

From October 14 to 18, 2024, Cyber Guardian 6.0 (Guardião Cibernético 6.0) the largest cyber defense exercise in the Southern Hemisphere, brought together over 140 organizations and representatives from 30 countries to tackle realistic cyber threats. The Military Engineering Institute (IME), through its Cyber-Physical Systems Cybersecurity Lab (LaSC), played a leading role by coordinating the Virtual OT Simulation within the Defense sector. Simulating critical infrastructures, such as an electric system, the exercise, organized by the Cyber Defense Command (ComDCiber), aimed to assess and strengthen defensive capabilities against escalating cyberattacks on essential systems. This collaborative effort has expanded the synergy between public, private, and academic sectors, solidifying Brazil's position in global cybersecurity and setting a benchmark for international cooperation in critical infrastructure protection.

Recently, a certification of participation was awarded in recognition of a significant milestone: serving as the lead instructor and organizer for the inaugural Cybersecurity Course for ICS/SCADA defense within the Armed Forces. This pioneering course, aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructures, involved every stage of preparation, from syllabus development to the hands-on execution of lessons. Responsibilities included creating a comprehensive curriculum, delivering half of the instructional content, preparing the laboratory setup, crafting graphic designs, producing full course documentation, and managing the schedule and logistics.

The course content spanned foundational and advanced areas, covering topics such as industrial protocol analysis, including ModBus and Goose, SCADA system evaluations, ICS Purdue model architecture, and hands-on training with simulated PLCs and embedded circuits to deepen knowledge in serial protocols. This initiative not only contributes to national security but also fosters a stronger cybersecurity culture within the Armed Forces. Appreciation is extended to all participants and contributors, with special thanks to Paulo Cesar Pellanda, Clayton Escouper das Chagas, Captain Johnatan, and Lieutenant Nunes, whose collaboration was essential to the course’s success. This effort aspires to inspire and empower further advancements in critical infrastructure protection.