Participants from 25 NATO nations and 3 partner nations take part in Exercise Cyber Coalition 17 in Tartu,  Estonia between Nov. 28 - Dec. 1,  2017. - NATO photo by SSgt Dan Bardsley GBRA OR7

TALLINN, Estonia – NATO exercise Cyber Coalition 17, the Alliance's largest annual cyber exercise, is underway from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2017 in Tartu, Estonia with participants from 25 NATO and three partner nations.

Participants are utilising the Estonian Cyber Range which can be used to simulate a realistic network infrastructure where technical teams are trained in network and computer forensics, malware analysis and defence against attacks.

"The technical teams identify, analyse and stop highly complex malware, undetectable by multiple security solutions, in a matter of hours," said Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Andres Kuusk. "The sophisticated scenario triggers valuable training from technical through operational to strategic level."

With numerous NATO nations and partners taking part in the exercise, the end result will be improved coordination and collaboration between nations and national cyber defence capabilities.

"Training integrated teams from multiple allies delivers improved capabilities. This is in the heart of the exercise, practicing and developing how NATO works together, how we value and promote collaboration. As we respond, we improve our procedures, test our equipment and learn to better defend NATO and its allies," said Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Andres Kuusk.

Over the years NATO has seen an increase in frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks. Therefore, the Alliance has over 200 experts protecting NATO networks around the clock. NATO Cyber Rapid Reaction Teams are also on standby to not only counter attacks against NATO networks but also to assist Allies on request.

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office