AKSK

AKSK concludes awareness activities on children’s online safety for the 2025–2026 academic year

aksk admin — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:47:05 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority organized the concluding awareness activity for this academic year with the students of “Vatra e Dijes” School in Tirana, marking the completion of a series of initiatives dedicated to online safety and the digital education of children and young people.

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.

Cyber Drill at UAMD/ Students Test Their Cybersecurity Skills

aksk admin — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:27:29 +0000

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen capacities in the field of cybersecurity and enhance students’ practical skills, the National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK), in cooperation with the Faculty of Information Technology at Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës, organized a practical “Cyber Drill” activity focused on simulating real-life cyber scenarios and incident response procedures.

During the activity, students and academic staff, supported by AKSK experts, engaged in practical exercises and interactive scenarios, testing their abilities 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 cybersecurity talent.

The law “On Electronic Identification, Trust Services, and the Digital Identity Wallet” has been approved.

aksk admin — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:42:48 +0000

On 7 May 2026, the Parliament of Albania approved the law “On Electronic Identification, Trust Services, and the Digital Identity Wallet”, following its review by the relevant parliamentary committees on 4–5 May.

Fully aligned with the European Union’s eIDAS1 and eIDAS2 Regulations, this law represents a significant step toward strengthening the security and reliability of digital services in Albania, while also advancing the country’s European integration process. Its entry into force paves the way for the implementation of the latest European Union policies in the field of electronic identification and trust services.

One of the law’s key innovations is the establishment of the Digital Identity Wallet, an electronic identification tool that will be provided free of charge to citizens. For the first time within the Albanian legal framework, a secure, practical, and comprehensive electronic identification solution is introduced, enabling users to securely store, manage, and verify identification data and electronic attestations of attributes, including digital identity documents, driving licenses, diplomas, electronically sealed documents, and other electronic records.

The Digital Identity Wallet will enable citizens and entities to:

store and share identification data and electronic attestations of attributes, subject to user consent;
electronically sign and seal documents through secure devices integrated within the wallet;
access logs of all digital interactions;
interact both offline and in cross-border contexts.

In addition, citizens and businesses will be able to access online services with higher standards of security and reliability, benefiting from a new framework for electronic identification and trust services. The law expands the range of qualified and non-qualified trust services, while also strengthening security requirements for electronic identification schemes and trust service providers.

From a regulatory and supervisory perspective, the law reinforces competencies related to the oversight of digital identity wallets, electronic identification schemes, and providers of qualified and non-qualified trust services, establishing a clearer, more secure, and more reliable framework for their operation.

The Digital Identity Wallet is expected to simplify access to both public and private online services, while enhancing security and flexibility for citizens, institutions, and businesses in the use of digital services and transactions. At the same time, it strengthens the protection of personal data by granting individuals full control over their data, signatures, seals, and the secure and traceable sharing of such information.

For citizens and businesses, the law will mean easier and more secure access to services, fewer physical and administrative barriers, greater trust in electronic transactions, and broader opportunities to use services in accordance with European standards. For trust service providers, it establishes a clearer regulatory framework and opens the way for the provision of new digital services.

For the public administration and the state, the law creates opportunities to deliver public electronic services more efficiently, streamline administrative procedures, and support the development of the digital economy in Albania.

The adoption of this law fulfills the first milestone of Reform 3.1.1 “Alignment with the Digital Identity Regulation and implementation of the e-Digital Wallet for public services”, foreseen under the National Reform Agenda 2024–2027, bringing Albania closer to the standards and policies of the European Union.

Albania Joins the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE)

aksk admin — Fri, 15 May 2026 07:19:54 +0000

Albania has officially become a member of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), NATO’s centre of excellence for cyber defence, headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia.

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.

AKSK Organizes the First Module of Technical Trainings for Independent Institutions

aksk admin — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:24:08 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) conducted the first module of a technical training cycle for several independent institutions, focusing on infrastructure monitoring and strengthening practical capacities in the field of cybersecurity.

The training brought together technical representatives from various institutions, who participated in practical sessions and live demonstrations related to monitoring platforms, issue identification, and the management of technological infrastructures.

Through these trainings, AKSK aims to support the development of technical capacities and enhance interinstitutional cooperation in order to strengthen the country’s cyber resilience.

AKSK extends its appreciation to DCAF for supporting the organization and implementation of these sessions.

AKSK Organizes “Cyber Drill” with UAMD Students

aksk admin — Wed, 13 May 2026 08:58:13 +0000

As part of strengthening capacities in the field of cybersecurity and enhancing students’ practical skills, the National Cyber Security Authority Autoriteti Kombëtar për Sigurinë Kibernetike (AKSK), in cooperation with the Faculty of Information Technology at Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës, organized a practical “Cyber Drill” activity focused on simulating real cyber scenarios and responding to security incidents.

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.

Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026 brought together young cybersecurity talents from across the region in Albania

aksk admin — Tue, 12 May 2026 09:42:29 +0000

The third edition of Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026 brought together young cybersecurity enthusiasts from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina in a three-day experience focused on regional cooperation, professional development, and practical cybersecurity training.

Organized by the Albanian National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK), the camp focused on strengthening cooperation among Western Balkan countries and creating a shared space for the development of young cybersecurity talents through discussions, practical sessions, and real-world cyber scenario simulations.

In his opening remarks, AKSK Director General Bledar Kazia highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the role of young people in building a safer cyber future for the region, emphasizing that no country can face cyber threats alone and that cooperation, shared expertise, and young professionals are key to strengthening cyber resilience in the Western Balkans.

Throughout the camp, participants took part in discussions, panels, and interactive sessions focused on some of the most current cybersecurity topics, including AI-driven threats, disinformation, protection of critical infrastructures, cyber diplomacy, technological challenges, and the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening digital security. During these sessions, cybersecurity professionals, institutional representatives, academics, and international partners shared experiences and perspectives on the latest developments in the cybersecurity ecosystem and the growing need to invest in the next generation of cyber professionals.

One of the main activities of the camp was the Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, which provided participants with an intensive practical and collaborative experience. Participants were organized into mixed regional teams with representatives from all participating countries and worked together to solve technical challenges, analyze cyberattack scenarios, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to practical tasks in real time.

During the CTF, participants were supported by AKSK experts, representatives from academia, national CIRT teams, and alumni from previous editions of the camp, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment focused on developing practical skills, teamwork, and the exchange of experiences among young people from across the region.

Beyond the technical and professional aspect, the camp created valuable opportunities for networking, building long-term connections, and strengthening the regional cybersecurity community by bringing together young people with shared interests and a common vision for the digital future of the Western Balkans.

AKSK expresses its gratitude to all participants, speakers, mentors, and partners who contributed to the successful organization of this edition, especially GIZ, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and the OSCE Presence in Albania, for their continuous support and cooperation in strengthening cyber capacities and regional collaboration.

Youth from the Western Balkans Unite in the WBCC 2026 CTF Challenge

aksk admin — Tue, 12 May 2026 09:28:39 +0000

Capture The Flag (CTF) competition stood at the center of Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026, the third edition of the regional camp organized by the Albanian National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK), bringing together young cyber talents from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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.

Cybersecurity, AI and Regional Cooperation at the Center of Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026 Discussions

aksk admin — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:44:39 +0000

Western Balkans Cyber Camp 2026 started with a series of keynote remarks, panel discussions, and expert sessions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and addressing the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing the Western Balkans.

Participants engaged in discussions on cyber resilience, AI-driven threats, offensive security, digital transformation, and the growing importance of protecting critical digital infrastructures in an increasingly interconnected region.

During his opening remarks, Director General of AKSK, Bledar Kazia, emphasized that cybersecurity today goes far beyond the technical dimension, becoming closely connected to national security, economic development, and regional stability. He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and stronger connections among young professionals across the Western Balkans, encouraging participants to use WBCC 2026 not only as a space for learning and cyber drills, but also as an opportunity to build long-term collaboration and exchange experiences beyond borders.

Speakers throughout the sessions also underlined the essential role of young professionals, innovation, trust, and human capital in building secure and resilient digital societies, while encouraging participants to continue strengthening regional connections and cooperation beyond the camp itself.

AKSK extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, experts, participants, and partners who contributed to the organization of WBCC 2026, especially GIZ, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and OSCE Presence in Albania, for their continued support in advancing cybersecurity cooperation and capacity building across the region.

AKSK continues its cycle of technical trainings with a focus on network protection.

aksk admin — Fri, 08 May 2026 08:43:40 +0000

National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) conducted the second training session within its technical training cycle, focused on strengthening the practical capacities of technical representatives from institutions and enhancing the security of digital infrastructures.

During this two-day training, the main focus was network protection, where participants engaged in practical sessions and technical discussions on monitoring, administration, and the identification of issues within systems and technological infrastructures. Participants were also introduced to platforms and tools used for network management and security.

Through this training cycle, the National Cyber Security Authority continues to contribute to strengthening professional capacities and interinstitutional cooperation, in support of increasing cybersecurity and digital resilience.

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