The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) organised the National Cybersecurity Conference on 3 November 2026 in Tirana, under the theme “Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Strengthening the First Line of Defence”. The conference brought together representatives of state institutions, operators of critical and important infrastructure, international partners, the private sector, and academia to discuss cyber threats and Albania’s preparedness to address them.
In his opening remarks, AKSK Director General Mr Bledar Kazia highlighted the role of the professionals who work every day to safeguard systems and ensure service continuity. He emphasised that system administrators, security experts, and IT specialists form the first line of defence, while strengthening cybersecurity requires shared responsibility and commitment.
“No single authority, including AKSK, can build cybersecurity alone. Our role is to coordinate, but most of the day-to-day work rests with you,” Mr Kazia stated.
The Director General outlined the challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence to develop attacks and manipulate information, alongside the Authority’s commitment to strengthening technological and human capabilities, establishing sectoral CSIRTs, and providing training for stakeholders across the ecosystem. He also acknowledged the support of the United States, the European Union, and other partners in improving Albania’s defence and response capabilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Ms Albana Koçiu emphasised that cybersecurity is directly linked to the functioning of the state, citizens’ security, and public trust. Referring to almost 32 million attempted cyberattacks during the first nine months of the year, she underlined the need for sustained investment, the identification of vulnerabilities, and information sharing before threats escalate into crises. Ms Koçiu reaffirmed the Albanian Government’s support for strengthening capabilities and aligning with European Union standards.
“Our success will be measured not only by the number of attacks we have stopped, but also by the services that have remained uninterrupted, the data we have protected, and the trust we have preserved,” she stated.
The Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, Mr André Rizzo, welcomed the placement of cybersecurity at the heart of the country’s reform agenda. He highlighted EU support for capacity building, legislative alignment, and cooperation with European institutions and regional partners, emphasising that Albania’s cyber resilience contributes to the security of Europe as a whole.
The conference programme focused on three main issues: evolving cyber threats and the impact of new technologies; operators’ operational readiness beyond compliance with legal requirements; and addressing the shortage of qualified specialists. These themes highlighted the importance of cross-sector cooperation, capacity development, and ensuring service continuity during incidents.
The programme also featured a practical demonstration by AKSK experts showing how a cyber incident escalates, from initial detection through coordination and decision-making to service recovery.
Through this conference, AKSK aims to strengthen cooperation with operators and responsible institutions, linking the implementation of security requirements to the practical ability to prevent, withstand, and manage cyber incidents.
Watch the full conference: YouTube