How 한전KDN is Strengthening Cybersecurity in Energy Infrastructure: Insights from Locked Shields 2026

Translation result

As cyber threats against energy infrastructure rise, KEPCO KDN joined international training to test and harden its response capabilities.

KEPCO KDN participated in Locked Shields 2026, the annual cyber defense exercise run by NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. The exercise took place April 20–24 in Tallinn, Estonia. KEPCO KDN deployed as part of a South Korea–Hungary combined team.

Locked Shields uses realistic attack scenarios targeting critical infrastructure and military systems to evaluate defensive operations. This year’s exercise involved roughly 40 countries and about 4,000 participants. South Korea fielded 170 personnel from 47 agencies, including the National Intelligence Service.

KEPCO KDN sent primarily internal security personnel to focus on defending energy-sector networks. The company said it will apply lessons learned to strengthen its security monitoring and incident-response capabilities.

With power grids and other energy infrastructure increasingly targeted, government agencies face mounting pressure to bolster cyber defenses. Cybersecurity specialists warn that training must be followed by continuous testing and verification to ensure improvements translate into real-world readiness.