During discussions with representatives from the International Coalition on Cyber ​​Security Workforces (ICCSW) from various countries, Kazia emphasized that human capacity building must be grounded in a stable core of roles and functions while remaining flexible enough to adapt to rapid technological advancements.

He presented Albania’s approach to aligning with European frameworks and underscored the importance of defining competencies based on the tasks and outcomes professionals must achieve, rather than merely on job titles. Albania’s experience following the 2022 cyberattacks demonstrated that, in times of crisis, the ability to respond, coordinate and restore system functionality is crucial.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market and professional development. Kazia emphasized the need to maintain clear pathways for newcomers entering and growing within the cybersecurity field. He proposed focusing on three shared competencies: the secure use of AI, the security of AI systems, and responsible AI governance. “Artificial intelligence can assist in decision-making, but ultimate responsibility must always remain with the human,” he stated.

Albania’s participation in this panel is part of its engagement with the ICCSW, through which the country contributes to developing shared terminology and professional standards, as well as enhancing interoperability among national cybersecurity workforce frameworks.

/e.i/j.p/p.s./

Sejko stated that cyber risk is now part of everyday reality, at a time when geopolitical tensions and technological developments have expanded the scope of exposure to attacks. According to him, digital transformation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector make it even more necessary to strengthen protective mechanisms.

The Governor underlined that disruptions in the functioning of financial systems or data leaks damage public trust and the reputation of institutions, requiring a new supervisory approach that prioritizes cyber risk, in addition to traditional ones.

In this context, he said that the Bank of Albania has undertaken a series of concrete measures, including increasing supervisory capacities, cooperating with relevant institutions and implementing the best international standards for assessing cyber risk.

One of the main instruments is the cybersecurity maturity assessment methodology, built with the assistance of the US Treasury, which includes 93 controls in organizational, human and technological aspects. The first round of the assessment for the banking system has been completed, while a second horizontal assessment is currently underway.

Also, Sejko emphasized that there is work underway to align the regulatory framework with that of the European Union, in particular with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which entered into force in January 2025, in view of the objective of Albania’s membership in the EU by 2030.

In conclusion, the Governor underlined that the Bank of Albania has continuously invested in building a secure technological infrastructure and in increasing staff awareness, ensuring a rapid and efficient response to any cyber incident. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./

In answer to question on the cyber-attack on the Parliament system, Rama stressed that, “The Parliament is not included in the cyber defense system”.

“We are highly regarded within European and NATO circles for our advanced cyber defense capabilities. But, our problem is that the sector system is not yet fully integrated into the defense network”, Rama said.

The prime minister emphasized further on that, “We are constantly attacked by Iran. Our cyber defense systems have a reading and can trace every attack. But, their attacks have never been successful in the critical infrastructure”, Rama stressed.

The prime minister assured that other institutions that are not yet in this system will also be included step by step, but this also requires funding.

Regarding the private sector, Rama emphasized that recognizing the critical nature of these issues, the banks have got integrated into the operational framework.

“The others have to join because of an entire criminal system of fines imposed by the hackers. They completely block data and ask you to pay so that to release it,” said Rama.

The prime minister assured that they cannot do any major damage since we have managed to build a superior defense system that proactively neutralizes threats, ensuring absolute data integrity. /a.f/p.s./

The agreement was formalized within the framework of the closing activity of the CybHER project, in the presence of Nick Abbott, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Albania and Majlinda Mazelliu, Director of the British Council for Albania and Kosovo, who emphasized the significance of investing in human capital and long-term partnerships for the development of the sector.

On his part, Acting Director General of the Cyber ​​Security Authority Saimir Kapllani considered the development of talents in cybersecurity as a strategic priority, underlining that this field constitutes an essential component of national security.

Kapllani stated that no strategy or technology can be effective without the human capacities that give life to these mechanisms, considering investment in skills, knowledge, experience and talent as the foundation of a sustainable cybersecurity system.

In this context, Kapllani placed special emphasis on the importance of empowering women in this sector, not only as an issue of equality, but as a real increase in national capacities and strengthening the quality of teams in the face of complex threats.

The memorandum aims to deepen cooperation in training programs, initiatives for the development of talents and capacities in the field of cybersecurity, with a special focus on creating concrete opportunities for women who aim to develop professionally in this sector. /k.s/a.f/p.s./

Beyond strengthening technological capabilities and protecting critical infrastructure, this cooperation aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and deepen strategic partnerships within the framework of NATO standards.

As part of this process, joint civilian-military personnel from the Cyber Operations Center – Cyber and Liaison Command are undertaking an intensive two-week training program led by the U.S. Multi-Domain Task Unit and II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

This training delivers advanced strategies in cyber defense and incident management, designed to enhance operational resilience within digital environments.

Minister Vengu emphasized that this expanded cooperation underscores Albania’s commitment to aligning with international standards through a modern, integrated defense architecture and NATO best practices. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

During the visit, Tafa participated in two high-level international panels, held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Oman, where he discussed fostering cooperation with other Gulf countries, and agreed to sign an international agreement with the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI), further strengthening Albania’s role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem.

During the discussion, Albania was praised as a success story, ranking among the top 20 countries in the world for cybersecurity, according to the Global Cyber ​​Security Index, an achievement that reflects the legal and institutional reforms undertaken in recent years.

On the sidelines of the forum, Tafa held official bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Oman, where there were discussed concrete cooperation initiatives and two joint projects to strengthen national capacities in the field of cybersecurity.

According to the press release, Tafa also held meetings with representatives of Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, with a focus on developing capacities to face risks arising from Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computers and building a protective layer against quantum risks (Quantum Resistance Layer) for critical national infrastructures.

Also, the press release states that through these commitments, Albania reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner and contributor to the international cybersecurity agenda, advancing regional and inter-institutional cooperation to strengthen digital resilience. /p.s./

Major General Beeck is in Albania in the framework of the NATO Conference on Cyber ​​Defense, which is being held for the first time in our country.

During this meeting, the two interlocutors discussed the latest developments in the Armed Forces in the field of cyber security and appreciated the Cyber ​​and Liaison Command as the vanguard of joint efforts.

Kingji emphasized that Albania remains fully committed to consolidate more and more this new domain for the protection of critical infrastructure and networks of the Armed Forces, to be fully in accordance with the NATO standards. /p.s./

Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu stated that the conference takes place as the current reality confronts us with new challenges and fronts for collective defense. “Alliance countries seek to build capacities, cooperation, and coordination in the field of cyber defense and secure systems and interconnection,” he emphasized.

Vengu underlined that, “Albania has demonstrated an increased role, whether through the formation of the Cyber ​​Command, increased capacities, and increased coordination with the NATO and will continue to increase attention and investments in this important area for the National Security.”

Albania is the host country of delegations from 32 member countries of the Alliance, represented by the ministries of foreign affairs, defense and cyber ambassadors.

This high-level event serves as a unique platform for exchanging knowledge, promoting cooperation and building common strategies aimed at collective defense in the face of ever-changing threats in cyberspace. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Speaking to reporters in Copenhagen, Denmark, upon his arrival at the Joint Summit of the European Political Community, Rama also spoke about the fight that our country is waging against cyber-attacks.

Rama emphasized that present-day Albania has one of the strongest cyber defenses in Europe.

“Yes, we have been the object of cyber-attacks, but today we have one of the strongest cyber defenses in Europe”, said Rama.

“We continue to be the target of these Iranian cyber-attacks and we are constantly fighting to prevent violations of our security”, emphasized the head of government. /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

In a video message published in the social media, Vengu emphasized that this forum enabled the combined experience of the NATO countries, the EU and military industry actors to be used as a strong foundation for the modernization of the defense sector.

“After bilateral consultations with the Polish counterpart, we had the opportunity to set the milestones of cooperation in the field of the military industry and development of the human capital between our two Armed Forces,” said Vengu.

The minister noted that Poland sets an example in terms of the way it has intertwined its membership in the European Union and the strengthening of the military industry as a pillar of economic development.

“We aim to adopt these valuable lessons in order to build the capacities of the Albanian Armed Forces”, he emphasized.

Minister Vengu said that this year, regarding cyber defense, Albania has recorded significant achievements, well-known achievements.

“In recent days, Albania has managed to rank among the top 15 countries in terms of cyber defense capacities, whether civilian or military. We will try to replicate this format soon in our country thanks to cooperation with Polish, German, and American allies, so that all of Albania’s efforts in the field of defense, military industry, and cyber defense find a special place in the policy of our military cooperation with allied countries and especially with Southeast Europe”, emphasized Vengu.

Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu paid today an official visit to Poland. Vengu met his Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. During the meeting, both ministers agreed to promote cooperation between the two Ministries of Defense in two key elements, developing human capital and building production capacities. /k.s/j.p/p.s./