The meeting of the National Security Council on the topic “Cybersecurity Situation and Measures Taken to Strengthen Cyber Defense in the Republic of Albania” has concluded.
During this meeting, an analysis was conducted on the state of cybersecurity and the measures taken by institutions to enhance cyber defense in critical and important information infrastructures.
Based on the reports from the institutions and discussions among the members of the National Security Council, progress has been made in strengthening cybersecurity capabilities and protection in the country over the past year.
Part of President Bajram Begaj’s speech
A year ago, we faced very serious, complex, and sophisticated cyberattacks.
These attacks aimed to destroy the digital infrastructure of the Republic of Albania, with the goal of promoting instability in the country.
Our institutions made it possible for the actors behind these attacks to not fully achieve their objectives. I highly appreciate the work done by these institutions.
Collaboration with strategic partners such as the United States, the European Union, and NATO has facilitated the training of specialists and experts, among others.
The new law on cybersecurity and the national cybersecurity strategy will serve best in building modern capacities.
Despite the measures taken, cyberthreat actors, mainly supported and funded by the Islamic Republic of Iran, have expanded their activities.
Cyberattacks have increased both in quantity and sophistication.
One year after the attacks, it is time for us to reflect on what we have done and how prepared we are to face possible future attacks.
We need to determine where our efforts and investments should be focused to further strengthen cyber defense.
“We will continue with necessary legal improvements, investments in technology, education, training, and raising awareness among specialists, experts, and all users who have access to technological systems to foster a cybersecurity culture,” the official press statement of the meeting read.
“The challenges we are currently facing have a broad spectrum. In today’s meeting, other important issues related to national security were also discussed, primarily those related to threats emanating from Iran, whether in the form of propaganda or hybrid forms,” the statement further provided.
Law enforcement and responsible institutions in the field of national security will assess and inform international partners and other actors about the threats coming from Iran, reaffirming Albania’s determination not to allow any individual or group to jeopardize national security.
The institutions will assess the threats and risks and take measures to strengthen capabilities in cyber defense, air defense, and enhance intelligence structures for ensuring national security.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, Justice Minister Ulsi Manja, Interior Minister Bledi Çuçi, Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Ermonela Felaj, Chief of General Staff Arben Kingji, Director General of the State Police Muhamet Rrumbullaku, Chairman of the Security Commission Nasip Naço, Deputy Chairman of the Security Commission Ferdinand Xhaferraj, head of the State Intelligence Service (SHISH) Vlora Hyseni and head of National Agency of ICT (AKSHI) Mirlinda Karçanaj.
