# CISA Hosts Nationwide Cybersecurity Exercise

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) conducted Cyber Storm X, a large-scale national cybersecurity exercise involving 2,000 participants from both public and private sectors. The exercise simulated a nation-state cyberattack targeting critical infrastructure sectors, specifically transportation and water, to test and improve resilience, response coordination, and information sharing. CISA plans to release an after-action report detailing lessons learned to guide future preparedness efforts.

- This exercise highlights CISA's role in strengthening national cybersecurity resilience, signaling potential future procurement opportunities for cybersecurity tools, services, and coordination platforms.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on critical infrastructure sectors, which may drive demand for specialized cybersecurity solutions tailored to transportation and water utilities.
- Contractors with expertise in incident response, cyber defense, and interagency coordination may find increased opportunities as agencies implement improvements based on exercise outcomes.
- The forthcoming after-action report will provide actionable insights that could influence federal cybersecurity requirements and acquisition strategies.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

### Key Quotes
> As a nation, we need the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to critical threats. That’s exactly what Cyber Storm does and why it’s a vital exercise for our nation’s security.
> — Nick Andersen, Acting CISA Director

### Sources
- [CISA Hosts Cyber Storm X, Nationwide Cybersecurity Exercise to Strengthen Resilience | CISA](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-hosts-cyber-storm-x-nationwide-cybersecurity-exercise-strengthen-resilience) - CISA