During the training, participants were introduced to the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity governance, risk management, and protective controls, as well as cybersecurity hygiene practices that help reduce exposure to cyber threats and incidents. An important part of the activity was also dedicated to assessing the cybersecurity maturity of SMEs in order to identify their needs and priorities for further support.

Through this initiative, the National Cybersecurity Authority aims to contribute to enhancing the cybersecurity capacities of SMEs by supporting them in establishing safer processes and practices for protecting their systems, data, and services.

We extend our gratitude to DCAF for its support in implementing this program and to all business representatives for their participation and commitment.

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) conducted the fourth and final training session within the framework of its technical training cycle dedicated to representatives of several independent institutions, focusing on Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) and the protection of endpoint devices against cyber threats.

During the training, participants were introduced to approaches and tools that enable continuous monitoring of endpoint devices, identification of suspicious activities, and response to security incidents. Through practical sessions, they explored techniques for threat detection and strengthening system protection against cyberattacks.

This training concluded the series of technical trainings organized by AKSK, which aimed to strengthen the professional capacities of institutions in monitoring, protection, and response to cyber incidents, as well as to enhance their digital resilience.

Special thanks to DCAF for the support and cooperation in the implementation of this training cycle.

During the two-day training, participants were introduced to the practices and processes that enable the collection, centralization, and analysis of logs from various systems, as well as the use of SIEM solutions for monitoring security events and identifying suspicious activities. Through practical sessions, they explored ways to enhance visibility over technological infrastructures and support cyber incident response efforts.

This training cycle aims to strengthen the professional capacities of institutions in monitoring, protecting against, and responding to cyber incidents, thereby contributing to the enhancement of their digital resilience.

Special thanks to DCAF for the support and cooperation in the implementation of this training cycle.

Through interactive discussions and conversations, the children learned about the importance of protecting personal data, using the internet safely, and identifying and avoiding online risks.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 39 awareness activities were carried out across several areas of Albania, including 36 awareness sessions, 1 webinar, 1 training session for Child Protection Workers, and 1 roundtable discussion with the participation of institutions responsible for child protection.

In total, 1,675 children and participants took part in these activities, which aimed to strengthen the culture of digital safety and contribute to creating a safer online environment for younger generations.

These activities were organized in cooperation with the State Agency for the Rights and Protection of the Child, as part of joint efforts to increase awareness and enhance the protection of children in the digital space.

Albania’s membership was formalized during the flag-raising ceremony held at the CCDCOE headquarters, where the country joined the centre alongside Finland and Sweden, bringing the total number of member and partner nations within this international cyber defence expertise network to 39.

This development represents an important step for Albania in strengthening national capacities in the field of cybersecurity and cyber defence, as well as deepening cooperation with NATO allies and international partners in addressing threats and challenges in cyberspace.

Participation in CCDCOE provides Albania with opportunities to exchange expertise, engage in research and strategic analysis, participate in international trainings and exercises, and enhance cooperation with experts and specialized institutions from allied and partner countries.

Established in 2008 and accredited by NATO, CCDCOE is one of the world’s leading international centres in the field of cyber defence, focusing on scientific research, strategic analysis, professional training, and the development of best practices to strengthen cyber resilience. The centre also organizes Locked Shields, the world’s largest and most complex live-fire cyber defence exercise.

This membership further strengthens Albania’s position within the international cybersecurity ecosystem and enhances cooperation with NATO’s leading structures and experts in this field.

During the activity, students and academic staff, supported by AKSK experts, engaged in practical exercises and interactive scenarios, testing their skills in analyzing, identifying, and managing cyber threats. This collaboration aims to further connect students with real-world cybersecurity practices and contribute to the development of the next generation of talents in this field.

Participants were organized into mixed regional teams, with each group including one representative from each Western Balkan country participating in the camp. Throughout the competition, teams worked together to solve cybersecurity challenges, analyze technical scenarios, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to real-time tasks in a highly interactive environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.

During the CTF, participants were supported by expert coaches from the Albanian National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK), representatives from academia, members of national CIRT teams from the region, and alumni from last year’s edition of Western Balkans Cyber Camp.

More than a competition, the CTF reflected the main purpose of the camp, strengthening regional cooperation, connecting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and creating lasting cross-border collaboration within the Western Balkans cyber community.

AKSK extends its sincere appreciation to GIZ, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and the OSCE Presence in Albania for their valuable support and contribution to the successful organization of Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026.

NATO Locked Shields 2026

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) participated in the largest and most complex cyber defence exercise in the world, contributing to the strengthening of national capacities and the exchange of interinstitutional expertise.

In this context, AKSK played a key role in coordinating and supporting experts from major national institutions, including AKSHI, the Armed Forces Academy, Albania Cyber Command, SHISH, as well as representatives from critical and important information infrastructures. Through advanced simulation scenarios, cooperation and response to cyber incidents were tested under conditions closely resembling real-world environments.

The exercise included complex cyber crisis scenarios, focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure, the security of industrial systems (SCADA/OT), 5G networks, and real-time incident management.

Participation in this exercise directly contributes to enhancing operational readiness and strengthening interinstitutional cooperation, in support of protecting the country’s critical systems and services.