The Côte d'Ivoire government recently conducted its first national cyberattack simulation exercise, dubbed CYBER.EX 2026, to test the country's resilience in the face of a major cyberattack. The exercise, which took place in Abidjan, involved decision-makers, cybersecurity experts, and students. The scenario simulated a cyberattack affecting the energy, telecommunications, and payment systems simultaneously. The goal was to assess the country's preparedness and response to such an attack.
The exercise presented participants with several dilemmas, including whether to isolate critical services, communicate with stakeholders, and pay a ransom or refuse. The simulation aimed to evaluate the country's ability to respond to a cyber crisis. General Guelpétchin Ouattara, Director-General of the National Agency for Information Systems Security of Côte d'Ivoire (ANSSI-CI), stated that the exercise helped identify areas for improvement and demonstrated the importance of a coordinated response to cyberattacks.
The simulation highlighted that a cyber crisis is not solely a technical issue but also a governance crisis. General Ouattara emphasized that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ransomware attacks poses a significant threat to the country. He also warned about the potential risks of AI being used to manipulate public opinion. The exercise provided valuable insights into the country's preparedness and response to cyberattacks.
During the closing ceremony, the "cyber resilience" award was presented to Air Côte d'Ivoire, the national airline, which was victim of a cyberattack in February. The attack resulted in the illegal extraction of sensitive data, but the airline continued operations and coordinated its response with ANSSI-CI. The organizers praised the airline's resilience and response to the attack.
Several students who participated in cyber competitions during the event were also rewarded for their achievements. The organizers view these students as the future of cybersecurity in Côte d'Ivoire. The next CYBER.EX exercise is scheduled to take place in Abidjan on October 28-29, 2027.
The Côte d'Ivoire government has taken steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks. The ANSSI-CI has been working to strengthen the country's cybersecurity infrastructure and promote awareness about cyber threats. The CYBER.EX exercise is part of these efforts to improve the country's preparedness and response to cyberattacks.
The simulation exercise demonstrates Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities and preparedness. The country is taking proactive steps to address the growing threat of cyberattacks and protect its critical infrastructure.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire conducts national cyberattack simulation exercise to test its preparedness and response to cyber threats.
- Exercise highlights the importance of a coordinated response to cyberattacks and the need for awareness about cyber threats.
- Country recognizes the growing threat of cyberattacks and is taking steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities.
