Cyber Dawn 2025

by David Loeffler

144th FW video courtesy of Master Sgt. Christian Jadot

Cyber Dawn 2025 brought together cyber warriors in a multi-state, multi-agency joint exercise designed to provide real-world experience in cyber incident response training.

Airmen with the 163rd Attack Wing train with civilian agencies in cyber defense.

This year’s iteration was the largest to date, with 363 participants across 52 organizations. These organizations include 21 military units, 16 civilian government agencies, 11 private infrastructure companies and 4 educational institutions.

Airmen with the 195th Wing engage simulated cyber threats.

The exercise focused on defending the medical industry against cyber attacks. This year’s network owners consisted of 17 agencies, including 3 in education, 3 local governments, 5 state government agencies, 2 federal government agencies, and 4 private sector infrastructure companies.

Airmen with the 144th Fighter Wing train with U.S. Marine Corps counterparts to defend against a simulated cyber attack.

Cyber Dawn 2025 proved another successful first as one team operated remotely in another FEMA Region IX state. That team operated out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii simulating a forward deployed cyber team during an attack across multiple states targeting US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing practice defending against cyber attacks such as phishing and ransomware.

Members from the all-volunteer California State Guard served along side California Air National Guardsmen, California Army National Guardsmen, US Space Force, US Marines and US Coast Guard personnel, sharing their real world experience.

California State Guard volunteers bring their civilian expertise to support their Cal Guard counterparts in cyber operations.

Since the inception of Cyber Dawn in 2019, cybersecurity incidents have increased due to the shift to remote work and the threat of artificial intelligence. This annual exercise hones our service members' critical skills to tackle emerging threats quickly.