French Ministry of the Armed Forces receives cybersecurity training from Airbus
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has partnered with Airbus Defence and Space, along with co-contractor Neverhack, to establish a comprehensive cyber defence training centre at the Cyber Defence Academy of the Cyber Defence Command (COMCYBER) near Rennes. This eight-year framework contract aims to bolster France's military cyber defence capabilities [1][2][3].
The training centre will serve as a hub for cyber warriors, offering courses dedicated to various cyber specializations. The focus will be on simulating attack-defence scenarios relevant to military operations on the digital battlefield and major joint or multinational exercises such as Orion and DefNet [2][3].
The training environment will replicate military networks and systems, including Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and weapon systems. It will evolve to address emerging threats by collaborating with startups and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in technologies such as artificial intelligence [2][3].
The scenarios and training will cover the full spectrum of cyber threats, including malware attacks, denial of service, data theft, information manipulation, and cyber influence operations like disinformation campaigns on social media [2][3].
Airbus Defence and Space currently provides Security Operation Centers (SOCs) deployed in mainland France, overseeing the security of its information and communication systems. The company's CyberRange platform, used by more than 25 partner schools, will be instrumental in equipping cybersecurity training courses [1][2][3].
The platform reproduces the environment of armed forces' networks and information systems, including C4ISR and weapons systems. It enhances the realism of training by integrating users with legitimate, accidental, or malicious activity [1][2][3].
The contract also includes the provision of training and coaching services, as well as the development of operational cyber defence scenarios [2]. The platforms will enable the simulation of attack-defence scenarios in the context of military operations on the digital battlefield, as well as in large-scale exercises at national, joint, or multinational levels [2].
Airbus Defence and Space has been deploying its CyberRange platforms in various ministries and sensitive sectors for nearly 10 years. The platform is used for training, exercises, challenges, and events such as 'Passe ton Hack D'abord' [1][2][3].
The ultimate goal is to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts within the armed forces and enhance their operational maturity and cyber defence effectiveness [2]. This initiative is part of the French Directorate General of Armaments' (DGA) efforts to ensure the armed forces are well-equipped to face the growing cyber threats in today's digital age.
[1] Le Monde Informatique - https://www.lemondeinformatique.fr/actualites/cybersecurite/2021/09/08/dga-et-airbus-defence-et-space-signent-un-contrat-de-formation-de-cyber-defenseurs-2033163.html [2] Airbus Defence and Space - https://www.airbus.com/defence-space/cybersecurity/cyber-range [3] Business Wire - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210908005084/en/Airbus-Defence-and-Space-and-Neverhack-to-provide-comprehensive-cybersecurity-training-and-education-to-the-French-Ministry-of-the-Armed-Forces
The training centre, developed by Airbus Defence and Space and Neverhack, will be a technology-driven hub for cyber warriors, offering courses focusing on various cyber specializations and simulating attack-defence scenarios relevant to military operations using state-of-the-art technology like artificial intelligence. The platforms will evolve to address emerging threats by collaborating with startups and SMEs in these technologies.
