Albania Archives - AKSK

AKSK Launches the National Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program for SMEs

aksk admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:50:47 +0000

The National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK) held the first training session for representatives of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as part of the National Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program for SMEs. The activity focused on raising awareness and strengthening practical knowledge of cybersecurity in the business environment.

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.

Students from Leiden University Explore Albania’s Experience in Cybersecurity

aksk admin — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:20:26 +0000

45 students from Leiden University in the Netherlands, studying Public Administration, conducted a study visit to the National Cybersecurity Authority of Albania.

During the visit, the students were introduced to the institution and to Albania’s experience in the field of cybersecurity. The discussion focused on institutional response mechanisms, coordination among relevant structures, and the role of public administration in the practical management of such situations, and was accompanied by questions from the students related to their field of study.

Building Interest in Cybersecurity/ Study visit of students to NCSA

aksk admin — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:40:05 +0000

A group of students from “Kostandin Kristoforidhi” School in Elbasan paid an informative visit to the National Cyber Security Authority, as part of ongoing initiatives aimed at engaging young people with the field of cyber security and raising awareness of its growing importance.

During the visit, NCSA experts presented the institution’s role and responsibilities, its operational processes, and its daily engagement in protecting the country’s digital space. Students were also introduced to practical aspects of online safety, cyber risk management, and the importance of responsible behavior in the digital environment.

Through such activities, the National Cyber Security Authority seeks not only to raise awareness, but also to encourage young people to develop interest and skills in cyber security fields, contributing to the preparation of future professionals in this strategic sector essential to national security.

Cyber Security News Bulletin December 2025

aksk admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:57:29 +0000

Cybersecurity measures during the holidays, the focus of coordination meetings with infrastructures

aksk admin — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:34:00 +0000

National Cyber Security Authority held a series of coordination meetings with representatives of critical and important information infrastructures, focusing on strengthening preparedness and coordination in response to increased cyber risks during the end-of-year holiday period.

During the meetings, it was emphasized that the holiday season is characterized by a heightened level of cyber threats, driven by increased online activity and reduced operational vigilance. In this context, discussions focused on immediate measures, including enhanced system monitoring, rapid incident response, and strengthening real-time information-sharing mechanisms.

Particular attention was given to staff awareness and operational readiness as key elements in preventing and effectively managing cyber incidents during this period. In parallel, the main directions of the medium-term plan for the coming year were discussed, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities through targeted training and to enhance cyber resilience at the national level.

These meetings represent a concrete step toward reinforcing cooperation and coordination among key stakeholders, with the goal of ensuring the security and continuity of critical services during the holiday period and throughout the year ahead.

Winners of the first phase of the National Cyber Security Marathon announced

aksk admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:45:36 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority hosted the certificate award ceremony for the winners of the first phase of the National Cyber Security Marathon, an initiative that aims to encourage broad participation and involve young talents in developing practical skills in the field of cybersecurity.

In his welcoming speech, the Director of AKSK, Mr. Igli Tafa, praised the dedication and performance of the participants, emphasizing that through this marathon, a culture of cooperation, professional development, and motivation for future generations of cyber experts is being built.

At the end of the first phase, the winners were announced in two categories: universities and students, who stood out for their results on the SimSpace platform.

Ranking for Universities:

Faculty of Information Technology, University of Tirana
New York University Tirana
Armed Forces Academy

Ranking for Students:

Orgito Leka
Earta Joca
Sidrit Dervishi

The results of this phase reflect the commitment of young people to advance in the field of cybersecurity and the role that universities are taking in preparing new professional capacities, in line with AKSK’s vision for the sustainable development of the country’s digital ecosystem.

The Western Balkans unite in Tirana for the Regional Dialogue on Cybersecurity

aksk admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:11:35 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority of Albania (AKSK) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, in cooperation with the Observer Research Foundation America and the Albania Sustainable Development Organization, organized a regional cyber policy dialogue on 16-17 October 2025, in Tirana, Albania. The event brought together 50 participants from government, business and civil society from the six Western Balkan countries. The agenda of the meeting addressed ways to improve regional cooperation in cyber defense, incident response, cyber diplomacy and capacity building.

Director General of AKSK, Mr. Igli Tafa, stated: “There is still a significant gap in cybersecurity across the Western Balkans. Challenges in this space cannot be tackled alone, only through collaboration and joint capacity building can we make progress together.”

Ernst Noorman, Ambassador at Large for Cyber Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, said: “Cybersecurity requires a multistakeholder presence, it’s not just a government issue, but one that involves the whole of society. As digitalization drives efficiency, the challenges grow more complex. Coordinated action and mutual trust are essential if we are to move forward together.”

This dialogue builds on the results of previous meetings held in Tirana, Albania in November 2024, in-person meetings in Skopje, North Macedonia, in June 2022 and September 2023.

Winners of the First Phase of the National Cybersecurity Marathon Announced

aksk admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:39:04 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority hosted the award ceremony for the winners of the first phase of the National Cybersecurity Marathon — an initiative designed to encourage broad participation and engage new talents in developing practical skills in the field of cybersecurity.

In his opening remarks, the Director of NCSA, Mr. Igli Tafa, praised the dedication and performance of the participants, emphasizing that through this marathon, a culture of collaboration, professional development, and motivation is being built for the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

At the conclusion of the first phase, winners were announced in two categories, universities and individual students, distinguished for their performance on the SimSpace platform.

University Rankings:

Faculty of Information Technology, University of Tirana
New York University Tirana
Armed Forces Academy

Student Rankings:

Orgito Leka
Earta Joca
Sidrit Dervishi

The results of this phase reflect the commitment of young professionals to advance in the field of cybersecurity and highlight the important role of universities in preparing new professional capacities, in line with NCSA’s vision for the sustainable development of the country’s digital ecosystem.

NCSA conducts training to strengthen cybersecurity capacities

aksk admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:09:10 +0000

The National Cyber Security Authority organized a dedicated training for the staff of critical and important information infrastructures, aimed at strengthening technical capacities and raising awareness in the field of cybersecurity. The activity, held at the Authority’s premises, focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills to effectively respond to cyber incidents and implement preventive measures within their infrastructures.

During the training, NCSA experts shared practical knowledge and real-life cases on incident management, risk assessment, and identification of potential threats, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sustainable digital security culture within every institution. This training is part of the Authority’s ongoing program designed to continuously prepare IT and cybersecurity professionals in order to reinforce the protection of the country’s critical information infrastructures.

From Tirana to Warsaw: Albania’s Cybersecurity Talents Compete for ECSC 2025

aksk admin — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:16:13 +0000

Twenty young participants faced a practical challenge at the National Cyber Security Authority’s (AKSK) Cyber Security Laboratory, as part of the third phase of the selection process for the national team that will represent Albania at the European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC). The challenge consisted of a real-life Red Team vs. Blue Team exercise, where participants tested their skills in both cyber offense and defense.

The process will continue with further challenges and dedicated training sessions, after which the 10 finalists will be selected to carry Albania’s flag on October 6–10 in Warsaw, Poland, at Europe’s most prestigious competition for young cybersecurity talents.

AKSK’s Director, Mr. Igli Tafa, emphasized that this competition holds special value not only for the professional growth of young people but also for national representation. “Raising Albania’s flag among Europe’s top teams is both an extraordinary emotion and a great responsibility,” he stated. Mr. Tafa added that through intensive preparation and training, the aim is to maximize results, while AKSK remains fully committed to supporting the participants in this competition.

In partnership with UNDP Albania and the project “Youth for Inclusion, Equality, and Trust,” this initiative is offering young Albanians a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on one of Europe’s most prestigious stages.