The collaboration between the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity, the Albanian Board of Trade, the Albanian Association for Electronic Commerce, along with the support of RisiAlbania and Helvetas, recently culminated in a significant training session addressing the pressing issues stemming from the absence of cybersecurity in business structures and the essential strategies to shield against these digital threats.

During his address as a distinguished guest at this event, Mr. Artan Gjergji, Secretary General of AECA, underscored the paramount importance of cybersecurity across the entire economic spectrum, encompassing both public and private sectors, with a particular emphasis on small businesses engaged in online commerce. Mr. Gjergji highlighted the concerning reality that the business community lags behind the government in acknowledging and mitigating cybersecurity risks, inadvertently leaving themselves vulnerable. He stressed that the relative absence of targeted cyberattacks on businesses does not signify adequate cybersecurity measures but rather reflects the limited financial appeal of small entities to cybercriminals. Emphasizing the transitory nature of this situation, Mr. Gjergji urged the business community to remain vigilant and proactively invest in both technological infrastructure and skilled personnel to fortify their cyber defenses.

In his speech, Mr. Andi Stefanllari, representing RisiAlbania, emphasized the project’s prioritization of initiatives related to public-private partnerships, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. He reiterated Helvetas’ unwavering commitment to supporting both the Albanian Government and the business community in navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

Furthermore, IT staff of Albanian businesses were immersed in hands-on simulations of real-life cyberattack scenarios, equipping them with practical knowledge and procedural expertise necessary to effectively respond to similar threats in their respective business environments.

This training initiative underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to bolster cybersecurity resilience within the Albanian business landscape, ensuring a secure digital environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and prosperity.