During the discussion, our experts addressed the most common online risks affecting young people, the protection of personal data, responsible behavior on social media, and the impact of the digital environment on students’ lives and creative work.

These sessions aim to strengthen a culture of digital safety from an early age and to promote the safe and informed use of technology, as part of a continued commitment to information and awareness-raising initiatives in schools.

The National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity (AKCESK) in collaboration with Women in Technology Albania, the American Embassy in Albania, DCAF, FCO, the Association of Banks, the Association of Microcredits, EUROSIG, UBA Bank, Silensec and Tetra Solutions, on June 22 – July 3, 2020, organized the fourth edition of the Albanian Cyber Academy (ACA4). Respecting the measures imposed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, ACA4 activities took place online.
The goal of this nationwide event was to increase the skills and deepen the knowledge of cyber security professionals and talented young students of the field.
This year, 11 international speakers (Dr. Erdal Ozkaya, Mitko Bogdanoski, Ramsés Gallego, Ljubica Pendaroska, Ivica Simonovski, Jaroslaw Ponder, Predrag Pale, Metodi Hadji Janev, Marjan Stoilkovski, Almerindo Graziano and Marwan Ben Rached) and 6 national experts (Ogerta Elezaj, Eralda Dhamo (Gjika), Elda Kuka, Elio Pashaj, Bruno Sholla, Sokol Qeraxhiu) who shared their expertise with 600+ participants in the activity and with more than 60 unique participants per day.
In the framework of the implementation of the law 2/2017 “On cyber security”, the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security organized a training to increase the capacities (Cyber Drill) of the sectoral CSIRT. The training focused not only on security measures applicable to critical and important information infrastructures at the national level, but also on addressing threats and innovations in the field of Cyber Security that affect these infrastructures, in order to increase the level of security. cyber at the national level. Part of this challenge were public and private operators that manage critical and important information infrastructures, ranging from the largest public operator that manages most government infrastructure to private ones, including tier two banks.

The objectives of the event were fulfilled by carrying out the following activities:

– Communication with international speakers and local experts via e-mail, phone
– Planning a two-week agenda
– Distribution of event details and invitations on AKCESK’s official communication channels
– Promotion of the activity and design of banners for the presentation of each expert
– Management of applications for participation
– Adaptation, optimization and support for setting up the Cyber Drill platform (Cyber range, scenario, establishment, customization and expert support)
– Optimization and Customization of the Cisco Webex platform
– Creation, optimization and customization of the Bug Hunt infrastructure
The fourth edition of the Albanian Cyber Academy has exceeded the expectations of all the participants and partners of the activity. The Grand Finale Day was a real success and proof that talented young students have the power to transform the way the virtual world works.

This activity was carried out in cooperation with our partners the American Embassy and the British Embassy in Tirana, Intesa San Paolo Bank, Abi Bank, Fibank, AQSCERT and Protik.

It was attended by all interest groups, with representatives from public institutions and civil society. The draft was evaluated as a necessary step for the establishment of a coordinating mechanism between actors in the field, for handling and solving problems related to the safety of children online.

At the end of the meeting, the activities that will be undertaken by all actors in the field were presented, to achieve the objectives of the strategy and the smooth functioning of the interaction between them. The National Strategy for Cyber Security is expected to be approved within the first 6 months of 2019.

The purpose of this activity was to raise the awareness of public and private institutions, parents and educators, to create the right mechanisms for a safer Internet for children and young people. Invited to this activity were Mrs. Anisa Ruseti, deputy mayor of Tirana Municipality, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Mrs. Afshan Khan, Dr. Roberto De Bernardi representative of UNICEF in Albania and Mrs. Vilma Tomco, General Director of AKCESK.

The children shared with their peers the newest application, ‘ichild Quiz’ published on the official website of aksk.gov.al, where through the game they test their skills regarding safe internet issues.

The experience as small counselors, students of grades VI, VII, VIII in different regions of Albania benefited through trainings organized by AKCESK and UNICEF, where for the first time it was applied as practice in the format of a manual in children’s language for children. This handbook is helping children expand their knowledge and increase the skills needed to grow up in the digital age.

Raising awareness and building capacities among all segments of society for the safe use of the Internet by children is one of the main objectives of the Authority.

Having essentially the woman and her career, the conference addressed three different topics: 1) She Leads Tech, 2) Women4Tech Initiatives and 3) Growing in the cyber ecosystem.
In all three of these sessions, many successful career women like Mrs. Vilma Tomço, Mrs. Edlira Muhedini, Mrs. Miranda Harizaj, Mrs. Anila Hoxha, Mrs. Hatixe Bilibashi, Mrs. Arlinda Mujo, Mrs. Xenina Pashaj, Mrs. Angela Neli, D3c0ders, mrs. Zoica Doko and Simona Petrozzi. A very original speech was also delivered by Professor Rezart Prifti, who was the only male speaker on the panel.

The purpose of the event was to motivate and advise the participants about developments in the field of information technology, especially students and young professionals. Mrs. Vilma Tomço, General Director of AKCESK, said that there is an increase in the number of girls and women in cyber security. According to her, this is happening because women are dedicated to work, they are ambitious and curious by nature, and obviously women can do a lot of work at the same time.

A message for all women related to cybernetics, Mrs. Miranda Harizaj, CEO of WIT Albania. She said that: “Women are a great force in all fields, why not also in the field of cybernetics”. She came out in support of all women, who are leading in a wonderful way, positions that until yesterday were known as “men’s positions”.

Arlinda Muja, from Kredo.al, said that today, 30 years after the fall of communism, the situation has changed as innovation has been moving at a fast pace in our country. Arlinda said that 63% of Albanians today are internet users. Today, women are decision makers and have a powerful leadership role in politics, institutions, media, business, civil society. “Today, 18 years after my graduation, the management of the Microfinance Fintech company, Kredo. I see it as a continuation of a successful journey that makes me feel complete and fulfilled in my professional goals”. But, this whole journey towards success has definitely not been so easy. Arlinda emphasized that at Kredo.al, about 71% of the company is dominated by women, while the management team has a staff of 100% women. Therefore, she dedicates the success of her company to women.

She shared some important tips with the attendees:
Do not aim to get management positions in the first 10 years of work. Use these 10 years to learn new things.
Don’t just be an IT. The more you know the components of the business you are employed in, the easier your success and professional development will be.
Every idea you give, you have to give it with a strategy.
“The future belongs to innovation and women leaders. Time is on your advantage. I am convinced that you will succeed. Therefore, do not stop.”
Likewise, Xhenina Pashaj, founder of Code IT, Anxel Neli from the SPI community and D3c0ders with Gjejza gave speeches where they told their success stories.

Zoica Doko was present from Vodafone Albania, who spoke on the topic “Fear of insecurity”. According to Zoica, “If something is unknown, face it. You may fail but find the strength to stand up and you will understand that security is part of everyone”.
Rezart Prifti emphasized during his speech at the panel that violence against women becomes an obstacle to their career.

In the meeting moderated by the students of the 9-year schools “Kosova”, “26 Nëntori”, “Vasil Shanto”, previously trained by AKCESK, who already enjoy the status of “Peer educators”, they informed other peers about the dangers that may encounter on the Internet, how to prevent inappropriate and harmful online situations and where to report such situations. The children shared with their peers the application ‘ichild Quiz’ published on the official website of aksk.gov.al, where through the game they test their skills regarding safe internet issues.

Discussions in the form of conversation conveyed sensitizing messages and guided students for help in cases of abuse, violence, or exploitation against them.

The increasing use of the Internet by children and young people in recent times has also increased the risk posed by its unsafe use. Also, electronic communications every day are becoming an important part of all the developments of the world-wide society. Building trust in the online environment is key to economic and social development, as a lack of trust, particularly due to a perceived lack of legal certainty, makes consumers reluctant to transact online and adopt new services. .

The project aims to raise awareness of children’s safety on the Internet and train them to use e-services in the already multifunctional premises of the “Hamit Beqja” library. CyberCorner will offer children and young people opportunities for in-depth knowledge on current and sensitive topics, such as: safe internet use, coding, radicalism and violent extremism, public electronic services. Modules have been designed for each of these topics, and computer equipment has been installed, which can be interacted with during the stay in the library premises and will be organized through workshops by NAECCS experts.

In the welcoming speech, the General Director of NAECCS Mrs. Vilma Tomço emphasized that “Safer Internet Day gives us the unique opportunity to promote Internet safety, inspire children and young people to use their enthusiasm and creativity and support them to build positive experiences on the Internet. It’s inspiring to see so many different organizations and individuals come together today to build a better internet. Raising citizens’ awareness of the safe use of the Internet is a traditional commitment by the Authority in cooperation with other responsible bodies, for the education of children in the online environment. Only by working together can Government, industry, parents, schools and communities promote the advantages of the Internet, while reducing the risks that arise from it.”

The administrator of the municipal unit no. 8, Mr. Dritan Dango focused on the Municipality’s commitment to the development of multifunctional centers. To orient children and young people towards the use of these centers by bringing them close to books and technology at the same time, as a necessary tool for their education.

Director of PR and Marketing at Raiffeisen Bank Mrs. Greta Lekaj emphasized the cooperation with NAECCS, evaluating CyberCorner as an innovation in the field and an example of the social responsibility of the organization, for a quality education of the new generation. “We will continue to support such initiatives, which contribute to the education and development of students because we believe that you are the future, you are the ones who will contribute to the further development of the country”.

The representative of Telekom Albania, Mr. Verdi Norja, praised NAECCS’s innovative initiative, which fulfills Telekom’s objectives as well, for a safe online environment for children and young people. Let’s use public spaces as much as possible for awareness and education of children and young people, through information technology, for a safe internet for them!