Sarajevo Cyber Shield 2026 strengthens practical cyber defence readiness in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened its cyber defence capabilities through Sarajevo Cyber Shield 2026, a threat-hunting exercise focused on detecting, investigating and responding to cyber threats.

The exercise was held under the NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Trust Fund project “Enhancing Cyber Defence in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented by the e-Governance Academy (eGA). Organised by eGA in partnership with CybExer Technologies and in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH MoD), the exercise was part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to address evolving cyber threats.

The project reflects NATO’s continued support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening its defence and security capabilities and adapting its institutions to an increasingly complex cybersecurity environment.

“This exercise demonstrates the exemplary cooperation between BiH and NATO in the framework of the Defence Capacity Building Initiative and furthers our common objective of a Western Balkans that is peaceful, stable and resilient,” said Ambassador Vladimir Vucinic, Head of NATO Political Engagement Support Cell in BiH.

Sarajevo Cyber Shield 2026 translates this support into practical training. At its centre is CybExer’s NATO-awarded simulation platform, which allows up to 30 participants working in five teams to respond to simulated incidents in a realistic but controlled environment. Participants identify malicious activity, analyse threats and carry out post-attack technical investigations and digital forensics.

“This exercise marks a milestone for a successful journey marked by excellent cooperation between NATO, eGA and the BiH MoD and Armed Forces contributing for a better prepared BiH defence sector to respond effectively to cyber threats. We look forward for this fruitful cooperation to continue,” said Dr. Lidra Zegali, NATO HQ Sarajevo Security Institutions Building Advisor.

Zukan Helez, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, added that such technical exercises give the Ministry’s experts an opportunity to test their skills and procedures under realistic conditions. “Working through simulated incidents helps us assess how we detect and investigate threats, how we respond, and where there is room for improvement. The lessons from the exercise will help us further develop our cyber defence capabilities,” he added.

Sarajevo Cyber Shield builds on a comprehensive package of training activities delivered over the past year under the NATO DCB Trust Fund-supported project. By combining expert knowledge with hands-on training and exercises tailored to the needs of the Ministry of Defence, the project is designed to strengthen practical capabilities that can be applied in day-to-day operations and sustained over time.

“Sarajevo Cyber Shield is an important part of that approach, giving specialists the opportunity to test their skills and turn their training into practical experience,” said Mari Tomingas-Sibul, Senior Expert at eGA.

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