As cyber threats continue to grow in frequency and complexity, the demand for robust digital infrastructure and skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical.
In response to significant cyberattacks targeting the Western Balkans in 2022, the European Union initiated the project “Rapid Response Measures for Cybersecurity for Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia 2.0,” which is being implemented by the Academy of e-Governance (eGA).
The project collaborates closely with the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) and the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity (AKCESK) in Albania to build and enhance operational cybersecurity capabilities.
These agencies are pivotal to Albania’s cybersecurity framework, functioning as 24/7 centers where experts monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats in real-time.
“We take pride in the fact that the project has enabled Albanian cybersecurity institutions, AKSHI and AKSK, to access top-tier cybersecurity software. Tools like GreyNoise, Acunetix, and Cognyte Luminar empower them to quickly detect threats, minimize false positives, and effectively manage complex cyber risks,” stated Merle Maigre, head of the Cybersecurity Competence Center and project team leader for “Rapid Response to Cybersecurity 2.0.”
She highlights that enhancing cybersecurity resilience goes beyond equipping local institutions with advanced tools; it requires the necessary knowledge, skills, and readiness to tackle today’s sophisticated threats.
The mission of the National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) is to secure the digital landscape for institutions, critical sectors, and citizens in Albania.
“In the past, entry analysis and incident correlation were performed manually on disconnected systems, which often delayed responses. Analysts relied on isolated tools and limited resources, lacking a structured system to gather information from open sources or monitor malicious behavior on the deep and dark web, preventing the identification of potential attacks on Albanian entities,” explained Esmeralda Kazia, director of the Monitoring and Incident Response Directorate at AKSK.
Kazia noted that the new infrastructure has allowed AKSK to shift from fragmented manual processes to a fully centralized system, enabling continuous monitoring, entry categorization, and prompt incident responses.
With the provision of four high-performance VxRail servers, AKSK now has a resilient and scalable infrastructure that supports data centralization and national asset protection. The initiative also grants access to the threat intelligence platform, Cognyte Luminar, which offers visibility across various network layers, enabling analysts to track indicators of compromise and monitor threats or suspicious activities.
This setup allows for the identification of potential risks to critical infrastructure and provides real-time alerts regarding malicious actors targeting the Albanian digital landscape.
Additionally, the project has significantly upgraded the capabilities of the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), aiding in the creation of specialized programs against cyber threats and training experts.
“Through activities such as workshops, simulations, and regional training, the project has enhanced the technical skills of cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. To further bolster security, our agency has received two crucial systems: Acunetix, which scans website source code for vulnerabilities, and GreyNoise, an intelligence platform that identifies IP addresses linked to malicious activities. These systems improve staff efficiency, integrate with existing solutions, and standardize incident reporting,” emphasized Enis Ylli, director of the Monitoring and Cyber Protection Directorate for e-Government Systems and Infrastructure at AKSHI.
Ylli explained that GreyNoise enriches data with information about malicious actors, including their location and activity types.
“It enables us to implement proactive protections on our SIEM/SOAR platforms, based on vulnerabilities identified by Acunetix. Their integration enhances the scope of technical defenses, allowing us to effectively respond to both sophisticated and basic state-sponsored threats,” he added.
According to Ylli, artificial intelligence accelerates real-time responses and significantly increases the scale and complexity of cyberattacks, creating an ongoing struggle where international conflicts cross regional boundaries, exposing protective mechanisms to unfamiliar threats and innovative technologies.
The systems delivered through the project enhance existing solutions, improving interactivity and operational effectiveness.
This strategic support positions Albania to better safeguard its digital frontiers, in alignment with EU cybersecurity standards, while contributing to regional and cross-border information sharing.
The project “Rapid Response Measures for Cybersecurity for Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia 2.0” is a European Union initiative implemented by the Academy of e-Governance (eGA
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