TIRANA, February 7 /ATA/ In the Albanian capital Tirana, there was held the conference “Challenges of cyber security in Albania”.
While taking the floor at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku said that, “The strengthening of cyber security, especially in this period, when the technological war is more sophisticated and more and more fierce, becomes every day a challenge, which always requires attention, commitment and cooperation”.
“We have chosen to have the right partners by our side in this battle, to withstand malicious attacks”, said Balluku, while she emphasized that, “The digitization and protection of our systems is always in the focus of the Albanian Government”.
Balluku highlighted the great work done by the institutions in these 6 months, after facing the cyber attack, which contributed not only to the digitization of public services, but also to the protection of this sector.
“Cyber security is an essential element for the good functioning of the government, and in this context, this conference takes place at a delicate moment, when our country is under an organized attack by a state that has all the capacity to strike with high intensity. This attack, which has been going on for several months, was intended to destroy and test our digital systems, but thanks to the appropriate reaction and support of our partners, this attack did not reach its goal,” said Balluku.
The created situation, she continued, “made the government to strengthen measures in all directions of cyber security”.
“Cyber attacks against online services and critical structures in Albania constitute a real threat. The Albanian government has turned cyber security into the main focus by considering 4 main pillars. We have built a strategic plan with concrete measures, including a budget dedicated to advanced technologies and human resources for the development of this sector that responds to the developments of the time. We are ready to face new challenges. We are focused on allocating significant budgets for raising systems against cyber incidents as well as the human resources”, stated Balluku.
Balluku said that the proper functioning of cyber security is related to the functioning of online public services, keeping in focus the real threats and the risk management plan.
“The government will focus not only on guaranteeing safe public but also private online services for citizens. The provision of online services is already an indisputable success of our government, becoming a model for other countries as well”, she said adding that there have already started the consultative meetings with businesses for cyber protection.
“An important element is also the awareness of the administration and citizens about cyber attacks and the measures to protect against cyber attacks. Sharing of information at all levels is key when it comes to cyber security. Consumers, businesses, government and ICT infrastructure operators are the new owners of cyberspace,” said Balluku.
Balluku also focused on the measures that have been taken to improve the legal framework, which according to her, is being adjusted according to EU standards.
She said that a secure cyber environment does not work without the relevant mechanisms. In this context, she emphasized, “cooperation with our strategic partners is key, as cybernetics has no borders, so coordination and cooperation with our allies is a strong line in this direction”./gj.m/p.s./
