site.btaDefence Minister: Bulgaria Must Continue to Develop Cyber-defence Capabilities

Bulgaria has real, functioning capabilities in the field of cyber-defence, but we must consistently continue to invest in technology, people, and the improvement of procedures, said Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. On December 4 he attended the final phase of NATO’s cyber-defence exercise Cyber Coalition 25, his ministry said.

Minister Zapryanov underscored the importance of the exercise for overall readiness to deal with cyber threats that could affect many vital systems operating in society. He expressed his satisfaction that many institutions and agencies involved in cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure were actively engaged in the exercise.

“Cyber Coalition 25 clearly demonstrates the strategic importance of cyber-defence for NATO and Bulgaria’s place within this broader framework. NATO provides a unique platform through which allies share information about cyber threats in real time. We are continuously strengthening our political, military, and technical tools for detecting, preventing, and countering malicious cyber activities,” Minister Zapryanov added.

“The Cyber Coalition 25 exercise is a test of our capabilities in cyberspace. I can conclude that we have the ability to act, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, in a new domain for conducting operations. The Bulgarian Armed Forces will remain an active and reliable participant in NATO’s efforts for deterrence and defense in cyberspace,” said Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov.

Admiral Eftimov stressed the importance of the practiced coordination between the armed forces and the government response center, national security services, and sectoral structures responsible for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. He also highlighted the participation of the private sector. “The government sector, the private sector, and the Armed Forces must work together in order to build the state’s and society’s cyber resilience,” he concluded.

Cyber Coalition 25 is the largest allied exercise in cyberspace in which Bulgaria participates. The Defence Ministry is the leading national institution in the preparation and participation of Bulgaria in the exercise, coordinating the efforts of a wide range of government bodies, academic institutions, and private-sector partners with the aim of forming a unified, nationally representative, and professional team.

Bulgaria is participating in the exercise with around 140 representatives, from the Ministry of Defence, the branches of the armed forces, security services, the Ministry of e-Government, the Ministry of the Interior, and other institutions, along with representatives of the private sector and the academic community.

At the national level, real-time coordination was practiced between all structures, along with procedures for response, reporting, and information exchange.

Attending the closing of the exercise on Thursday were also Deputy Minister of e-Government Alexander Yolovski and heads of the participating institutions and organizations.