Cybersecurity in Albania: a Multistakeholder Approach

Cybersecurity in Albania is a new field which has brought new challenges and threats through digitalization and connectivity. Currently, approximately 60% of the Albanian population are internet users. The new Agenda on Digitalization of public services, together with the positive impact in the EU integration process, brings ahead new challenges which cannot be faced by the government alone. Cybersecurity is a field that involves many stakeholders and to effectively respond to cyber threats, there is the necessity of cooperation among these stakeholders. The aim of this brief is to describe the current multistakeholder involvement in the cybersecurity of Albania and to promote the idea that better answers are reached when a range of experts can discuss and cooperate with each other for common goals even if different interests are at stake. It will start with a short overview of the legal basis on which multistakeholder cooperation in the country can be achieved. The policy brief will continue with an analysis of the current involvement of different stakeholders in the development of cybersecurity in Albania, especially their involvement in the drafting of the new draft strategy on cybersecurity. The brief will conclude with recommendations highlighting the need for wellbalanced coordination among activities of state and non-state actors in cybersecurity measures and on the increased involvement of all stakeholders in the development of cybersecurity and better protection from cyber threats.