# Cyber Wargame Highlights AI's Role in Ransomware Threats to Critical Infrastructure

*Published July 13, 2026*
*Source: [https://www.sans.org/newsletters/newsbites/xxviii-50](https://www.sans.org/newsletters/newsbites/xxviii-50)*

## Executive Summary

A cyber wargame simulating an attack on the U.S. water sector reveals the role of AI in speeding up ransomware threats, emphasizing the need for strengthened resilience and response capabilities. This aligns with regulations like NIS2 and DORA, focusing on the ability to maintain and recover operations under attack.

## Article

A recent cybersecurity wargame has simulated an attack on the U.S. water sector, aiming to test the resilience and response capabilities of organizations in the face of advanced threats. This exercise is akin to the Kobayashi Maru scenario from Star Trek, where the true test lies not in achieving victory, but in understanding weaknesses and strengthening defenses. The exercise highlighted the growing role of agentic artificial intelligence in accelerating the development and automation of ransomware attacks, posing a significant challenge for critical infrastructure protection. The insights gained from such exercises are crucial as they align with regulatory frameworks like the EU's NIS2 and DORA, which emphasize resilience and the ability to maintain operations even when preventive measures fail. These regulations underscore the importance of organizational resilience, focusing not only on preventing attacks but also on the ability to recover and continue operations. As the threat landscape evolves, understanding and preparing for AI-driven threats becomes essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure.