A Study of the Underlying Factors that Have an Effect on Improving of Cyber Exercises

In recent years, various attacks and intrusions against critical infrastructure have taken place, that have been somehow related to the cyber domain. Despite conducting periodic cyber exercises in these infrastructures, unfortunately, vulnerabilities and diverse threats still persist. Research focusing on examining the influential factors for enhancing cyber exercises has not yet materialized. For this reason, the examination of foundational factors has been positioned as one of the most critical sets of elements that have had an effect on the improving of cyber exercises. The central question of this research is, “To what extent do foundational factors contribute to the improvement of cyber exercises? ” This article employed a data collection method using both library and field research, focusing on published experiences from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. The outcome of this research led to the identification of 24 influential factors. Subsequently, a questionnaire was prepared, and its validity and reliability were confirmed, with 2 statements removed and a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.61 accepted with caution. The questionnaire was distributed among a statistical sample of 29 individuals. According to the results and findings, in response to the main question of the research and based on the Friedman test, the influential factors for enhancing cyber exercises were ranked as follows: The factor of “effective leadership and command by creating a supportive environment and mutual trust” with an average of 13.50 in the first rank. The factor of “Communication with technology companies and equipment manufacturers by attackers” with an average of 13.26 in the second rank. The factor of “Understanding the interdependence and mutual impact of cyber threats and security” with an average of 13.19 in the third rank.