Macedonia Takes Steps to Boost Cybersecurity
As the Western Balkans Digital Summit sheds light on vulnerabilities in the financial sector, Macedonia is taking concrete steps to strengthen its defenses against cyber attacks.
Enhancing Capabilities
Macedonia has adopted a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2018-2022 and prepared a National Action Plan to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities. The government has also formed a multi-stakeholder coalition comprising key ministries, including Information Society and Administration, Defense, and Interior, to tackle the issue.
Regional Summit Highlights Concerns
The Western Balkans Digital Summit in Skopje featured prominent speakers, including EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel and Minister of Information Society and Administration Damjan Manchevski. The event drew attention to cybersecurity concerns in the region and emphasized the need for collective action.
Establishing a Regional Cyber Security Academy
Macedonia is planning to establish a Regional Cyber Security Academy in Skopje, modeled after similar initiatives in the EU and USA. This academy will provide training and expertise in cybersecurity to professionals from across the region.
Promoting Cyber Resilience
To promote cyber resilience among the general public, Macedonia has designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The country is also planning various activities aimed at educating citizens on the importance of cyber hygiene.
International Support
The World Bank has played a vital role in supporting Macedonia’s cybersecurity efforts through its “Global Cyber Security Capacity Building Program”. Under this initiative, Macedonia underwent a review assessment using the Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model for Nations. The evaluation helped the government gain insights into its cybersecurity capacity across five dimensions: policy and strategy, culture and society, education and skills, legal frameworks, and standards and technologies.
Training and Expertise
Following the assessment, Macedonia invited Korean experts from the Global Cyber Security Center for Development to deliver a two-day training on practical aspects of cybersecurity in Skopje. The workshop was attended by over 60 representatives from various sectors.
National Cyber Security Action Plan
Macedonia is now working with internationally recognized experts to prepare its National Cyber Security Action Plan and has produced a cybersecurity awareness video to educate the public on the importance of cyber hygiene.