AKSK

Strengthening National Cyber Resilience: AKSK Discusses Priorities with Critical and Important Information Infrastructures

aksk admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:12:22 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) held a meeting with representatives of Critical and Important Information Infrastructures, focusing on strengthening national cyber resilience and deepening cooperation between public institutions and private operators.

In his remarks, NCSA Director General Bledar Kazia commended the cooperation with Critical and Important Information Infrastructures and their role in enhancing the country’s cybersecurity posture. He emphasized that, in the face of an ever-evolving threat landscape, incident reporting, continuous communication, and coordinated response remain key elements in protecting critical infrastructures.

The meeting also addressed the Authority’s priorities for the upcoming period, including strengthening monitoring capabilities, establishing sectoral CSIRTs, and providing continuous support to critical and important infrastructures through audits, security testing, and capacity-building training activities.

The meeting served as a platform for dialogue to address shared challenges and further strengthen cooperation towards a safer and more resilient digital environment.

NCSA extends its appreciation to DCAF for its continued support and partnership in strengthening national cybersecurity capacities.

AKSK Successfully Concludes the Technical Training Cycle Focused on Endpoint Protection

aksk admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:19:13 +0000

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.

ECSC 2026 – The Second Phase of the Albanian Team Selection Process Successfully Concluded

aksk admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:16:23 +0000

The second phase of the selection process for the team that will represent Albania at the European Cybersecurity Challenge (ECSC) 2026 has been successfully completed.

Over the course of two consecutive days, around 25 students and young technology and cybersecurity enthusiasts participated in this selection phase, testing their skills across various Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge categories, including web security, cryptography, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and other cybersecurity domains.

At the conclusion of this intensive phase, the top 10 candidates will be selected to form the Albanian national team for participation in the European Cybersecurity Challenge 2026, the largest European competition for young cybersecurity talents, organized by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

ECSC 2026 will take place from 12–16 October 2026 in Bochum, Germany, and is expected to bring together around 500 participants from more than 35 European countries, who will compete in practical cybersecurity challenges and exchange experiences with some of the continent’s top emerging talents.

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and performance, and best of luck to the Albanian team on its journey toward ECSC 2026!

Strengthening Technical Capacities: AKSK Conducts Training on SIEM and Log Analysis

aksk admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:15:15 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) conducted the third training session within the framework of the training cycle dedicated to technical representatives from several independent institutions, focusing on SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems and log management.

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.

Cyber Security News Bulletin May 2026

aksk admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:24:36 +0000

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.

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

aksk admin — Wed, 20 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.

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.