From 12 to 16 October, participating teams will compete in technical Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, testing their skills in cryptography, system security, vulnerability identification, and complex problem-solving.

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK), as the national organiser of the competition for Albania, has coordinated the selection and preparation of the Albanian team for this European competition.

We thank GIZ Albania, the United Nations Development Programme in Albania, Valbona Resort & SPA, UPay Albania, and Unionnet – Western Union for supporting ECSC Team Albania and contributing to the development of young talent.

Let’s go, Team Albania!

The Director General of AKSK and National Cyber Security Coordinator, Bledar Kazia, emphasised that cyber incidents are often accompanied by disinformation aimed at undermining public trust in institutions. Referring to recent cases, he highlighted the manipulation of videos and photographs using artificial intelligence, as well as the spread of false news, stressing the importance of media professionals understanding disinformation techniques and their links to potential foreign interference. Kazia underlined that Albania, as a NATO member and an EU candidate country, is strengthening its defensive capabilities, including dedicated teams for analysing information from open sources.

Martha Turnbull, Head of the Community of Interest on Hybrid Influence at Hybrid CoE, emphasised that Albania, like other European countries, faces hybrid threats targeting the information environment, particularly through disinformation. She stressed that strategies, legislation and interinstitutional coordination must be complemented by the involvement of the media, civil society and non-governmental organisations to strengthen the collective ability to identify and counter these threats.

During the panel discussion, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Megi Fino, addressed the timely verification of information, trustworthy communication with citizens on European integration, and cooperation with NATO, the EU and Hybrid CoE. She emphasised the need for daily institutional coordination in response to foreign information manipulation. From the media perspective, the Chair of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), Armela Krasniqi, highlighted the importance of media literacy and source verification, while also presenting AMA’s cooperation with TikTok and X on reporting harmful content.

The programme continued with presentations and case studies on hybrid threats and disinformation, alongside sessions led by Hybrid CoE experts on information manipulation during electoral processes. An interactive exercise gave participants the opportunity to discuss how to identify these threats and respond to them.

The National Cyber Security Authority of Albania (AKSK) invites girls and women from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to apply for the Western Balkans Cybersecurity Marathon for Girls & Women 2026.

Throughout the Marathon, participants will take part in interactive training sessions, hands-on labs, and practical cybersecurity challenges delivered through a dedicated online platform. The programme is designed to help participants build practical experience, develop their technical skills, and connect with a regional community of young women interested in pursuing and advancing careers in cybersecurity.

Participants who achieve the highest results throughout the Marathon will be awarded prizes.

The Marathon is open to girls and women aged 16–26, including students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, computer engineering, telecommunications, and related fields.

Application deadline: 12 October 2026.
Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/6GALVrfZiR?origin=lprLink

The document examines the malicious file, its execution and persistence mechanisms, its communication with command-and-control (C2) infrastructure, its malicious functionality, and the associated indicators of compromise. The analysis also provides specific recommendations for identifying, monitoring, and responding to potential compromises.

Read the full analysis: https://aksk.gov.al/en/technical-analysis-of-the-malicious-file-nanocore/

In some reported cases, users have lost access to their accounts. The relevant authorities are investigating how the accounts were compromised.

To protect your account:

• Enable two-step verification under Settings → Account.
• Never share verification codes, passwords, or account details with anyone.
• Check “Linked Devices” regularly and immediately disconnect any device you do not recognize.
• Do not click suspicious links sent by SMS, WhatsApp, or email, especially those asking you to verify your account.
• If you receive a code or a notification about WhatsApp being registered on another device without requesting it, do not share the code or approve the request.
• Secure the email address linked to your account with a unique password and multi-factor authentication.

If you lose access to your account, use only WhatsApp’s official recovery procedures and channels.

A verification code is personal. Even if a request appears to come from someone you know, verify it before taking action.

AKSK Director General Bledar Kazia emphasised that protecting children online begins with a relationship of trust between parents and children. Parental supervision should be accompanied by guidance, so that children feel comfortable sharing their concerns. He also highlighted the importance of introducing digital safety education early, including cybersecurity in the curricula for grades one, six and ten in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, and continuing training for parents, teachers and children.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu stated that technology should help children learn, create and communicate while safeguarding their safety and well-being. She stressed the shared responsibility to prepare children for the future and equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to protect them.

Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro emphasised the partnership between schools and families and the active involvement of parents in their children’s education. She also spoke about the after-school programme and the “Parent’s Toolkit” initiative.

Representatives of the State Police and the State Agency for the Rights and Protection of Children also attended the event. During the training, parents received practical guidance on recognising online risks, responding to inappropriate content and contacts, and talking with their children about concerns they encounter online.

The fair opened today at the Palace of Congresses, bringing together representatives of public institutions, the private sector and the technology community, as well as entrepreneurs, professionals and students. Over two days, the programme features discussions, presentations and activities focused on innovation and technological transformation.

In his opening remarks, AKSK Director General Bledar Kazia emphasised that the pace of technological development in Albania must be matched by stronger cybersecurity, technological capabilities and human resources. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among institutions, businesses and young professionals in building a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem.

This message continued in the panel “Innovation for a Safer, Sustainable and Resilient Future”, where Mr Kazia discussed the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and their direct connection to service continuity, the economy and trust in digital transformation.

Visit us at the Palace of Congresses to learn more about our work and initiatives, and follow us for updates on the activities taking place over these two days.