Lithuania Tests AI Risks
Lithuania tested how organisations respond when poorly secured artificial intelligence exposes sensitive data, with healthcare providers joining the national exercise.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence reported on October 31 that almost 200 specialists from 40 organisations took part in Cyber Shield OpEx, an exercise run by the National Cyber Security Centre. The training took place on October 19–23.
A quarter of the participating organisations came from healthcare, where the protection of patient information makes cyber preparedness particularly important.
Antanas Aleknavičius, the centre’s director, said AI tools often reach workplaces faster than organisations prepare to use them safely.
Participants faced scenarios involving intruders gaining access through poorly configured AI systems, then stealing and encrypting data.
Communications, legal and data protection staff joined technical teams, rehearsing contact with journalists, the public, police and supervisory authorities.
Year-round rehearsal for essential services
In February, the National Cyber Security Centre expanded Cyber Shield OpEx into a programme available remotely throughout the year. Organisations providing critical services can choose a suitable time and training scenario.
The wider programme lets teams test their own incident response plans alongside national procedures. It also develops practical technical skills and habits of sharing information with the centre, helping organisations rehearse decisions before a real disruption.
Separately, its Cyber Shield PhishEx programme uses simulated fraudulent emails to help employees recognise manipulation and respond. The centre’s February programme set out at least three rounds of that training during 2026.
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