Bulgaria has real, operational capabilities in the field of cyber defense, but we must consistently continue to invest in technology, in people and in improving procedures. This was said by the Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, who today, December 4, attended the final stage of the NATO cyber defense exercise “Cyber Coalition 25“.
Minister Zapryanov emphasized the importance of the exercise for the overall readiness to deal with cyber threats that could affect many important functioning systems in society. He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that many institutions and departments that are related to cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure are seriously involved in the exercise.
“Cyber Coalition 25“ clearly shows the strategic importance of cyber defense for NATO and Bulgaria's place in this overall picture. NATO provides a unique platform through which allies share information on cyber threats in real time. We are constantly strengthening our political, military and technical tools to detect, prevent and counter malicious cyber activities“, added Minister Zapryanov.
“The exercise “Cyber Coalition 25“ is a test of our capabilities in cyberspace. I can conclude that we have the capabilities to act – shoulder to shoulder with allies, in a new domain for conducting operations. The Bulgarian Army will remain an active and reliable participant in NATO's efforts for deterrence and defense in cyberspace“, said the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov.
He emphasized that the “Communication and Information Systems“ Directorate in the Ministry of Defense, the Command for Communication and Information Support and Cyber Defense, the types of armed forces and commands show that they have a real, operational cyber defense capacity, which should be constantly developed. Admiral Eftimov appreciated the participation of the National Military University and the Higher Naval School and its pioneering role in the creation of the exercise and center for cybersecurity and training.
Admiral Eftimov emphasized the importance of the well-established interaction of the armed forces with the government response center, with the national security services, with sectoral structures in the field of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. He also emphasized the participation of the private sector. “The government sector, the private sector and the Armed Forces must be in symbiosis in order to build cyber resilience of the state and society“, he concluded.
“Cyber Coalition 25“ is the largest allied exercise in cyberspace in which Bulgaria participates. The Ministry of Defense is the leading national institution in the preparation and participation of our country in it and coordinates the efforts of a wide range of state structures, academic institutions and private sector partners, with the aim of forming a unified, nationally representative and professional team.
Bulgaria participates in the exercise with about 140 representatives – from the Ministry of Defense, the armed forces, the security services, the Ministry of e-Government, the Ministry of Interior, relevant institutions, together with representatives of the private sector and the academic community.
At the national level, the interaction between all structures and the procedures for response, reporting and exchange of information were practiced in real time.
The closing of the exercise today was also attended by the Deputy Minister of e-Government Alexander Yolovski, heads of participating institutions and organizations.