The National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK) has successfully concluded the National Cybersecurity Marathon 2025, a comprehensive and innovative initiative carried out over several months, aimed at strengthening human capacities in the field of cybersecurity and identifying new talent at the national level.
The Marathon was organized into three main categories: the Marathon for Universities and Vocational Schools, the Marathon for Girls and Women, and the Special Marathon for Persons with Disabilities, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach. The format of this initiative generated strong interest, with more than 1,000 applicants, of whom over 500 competitors were selected to actively participate in the competitive phases.
Throughout the implementation period, participants were tested through professional-level technical challenges, implemented and administered via the SimSpace platform, funded by the United States Department of State. The platform provided a realistic and standardized environment for assessing skills. The challenges included analysis, incident management, proactive simulations, and the resolution of highly complex scenarios.
In his address, Igli Tafa, Director General of the National Cybersecurity Authority, emphasized that the National Cybersecurity Marathon represents a unique initiative in terms of organization, scope, and inclusiveness, designed for the first time as a single format bringing together university students, girls and women, as well as persons with disabilities. He underlined that this marathon serves as a concrete mechanism for talent identification and professional capacity building, which are essential for the protection of critical and important information infrastructures in the country, as well as for the secure development of digital services nationwide.
For her part, Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Education, praised the National Cybersecurity Marathon as an initiative that goes beyond technical competition and should be seen as a starting point for a continuous process of awareness-raising and education. She stressed that cybersecurity cannot remain solely within the circle of professionals, but must be extended as a culture and shared responsibility among children, youth, parents, and educational institutions.
Winners of the National Cybersecurity Marathon 2025
Marathon for Girls and Women
First Place: Ana Kaci
Second Place: Adriana Roci
Third Place: Irva Dafa
Marathon for Students
First Place: Earta Joca
Second Place: Sidrit Zela
Third Place: Orgito Leka
Third Place: Firdeus Dikellari
Third Place: Asim Lecini
Third Place: Emanuel Dervishi
Third Place: Abdurrahman Seitaj
Third Place: Arkel Lahi
Special Marathon for Persons with Disabilities
First Place: Dorina Olldashi
Second Place: Erblin Karaj
Third Place: Alvaro Dunja
Marathon for Universities
First Place: Armed Forces Academy
Second Place: Faculty of Information Technology
Third Place: “New York” University
