Military, civilian cyber operators train for response, mitigation at Cyber Fortress 25

Leaders of the 91st Cyber Brigade, Virginia state agencies, Department of Defense officials and local, state and federal energy representatives participate in a table top exercise as part of Cyber Fortress 25 Aug. 6, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cyber Fortress 25 runs from Aug. 2-16, 2025, and brings together state and federal organizations who will respond to a real-world cyber incident. The focus of Cyber Fortress 25 is electric cooperatives and the exercise provides an opportunity to test Virginia’s cyber response plan and better prepare for future collective responses. In addition, representatives from several foreign militaries are participating in the exercise, including a number from Finland, Virginia's State Partnership Program's partner. The exercise is hosted by the 91st Cyber Brigade and includes a re-certification of two cyber protection teams and one battalion headquarters as part of their federal mission. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)