 |
| Gent Sejko speaking during the national Cyber Security conference |
Albania has become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly targeting its financial institutions. Recently, Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, raised alarms during the National Cybersecurity Conference about the continuous cyber assaults on the Central Bank and second-tier banks. This warning came just a week after Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, explicitly stated that the country is being targeted by Russian and Iranian cyber actors.
Persistent Cyberattacks on the Financial Sector
Sejko emphasized that the Central Bank has so far managed to resist the attacks, but the threat remains constant. He pointed out that significant investments have been made in the cybersecurity of the banking sector, aiming to safeguard the banks’ data and IT infrastructure from further cyber intrusions. However, despite these investments, the threat has not been eliminated. According to Sejko, "The attacks have been continuous, but thankfully, we have not been breached."
The governor’s concerns were echoed by Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate. She underlined the need to ensure that Albanians’ savings and digital transactions remain secure amidst growing concerns. “We must encourage individuals to move towards digital payments, but we also have to guarantee their safety,” Ibrahimaj remarked.
The Broader Threat: Russia and Iran
This wave of cyberattacks comes amid broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Iran, countries known for their advanced cyber capabilities and aggressive cyber tactics. Albania has been previously implicated in the broader international conflict with Iran, notably after Tirana sheltered Iranian dissidents, which led to retaliatory cyberattacks. Now, with Russia allegedly joining the fray, Albania faces a compounded threat from two of the most sophisticated cyber actors on the global stage. This creates a complex challenge for the country, which already faces issues with the capacity of its cybersecurity infrastructure.
Albania’s Cybersecurity Capacity Gap
Igli Tafa, head of Albania’s National Cybersecurity Authority, highlighted another critical issue during the conference—the lack of skilled personnel to manage and defend the country’s cybersecurity framework. "Currently, for just a few institutions we’ve analyzed, there is a shortfall of 180 specialized human resources in cybersecurity," Tafa said. This skills gap further weakens Albania’s ability to protect its digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world.
To address this deficit, the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Silda Anagnosti, proposed engaging cybersecurity specialists from the Albanian diaspora. This call to action underscores the government's recognition of the need to draw from international expertise to bolster domestic capabilities.
Conclusion: A Global Threat to a Small Nation
The increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting Albania’s financial institutions reflects the larger international struggle between states wielding digital power. Russia and Iran have both demonstrated their capacity to exploit vulnerabilities in smaller countries as a way of exerting geopolitical influence. For Albania, which is rapidly digitizing and modernizing its economy, these threats could slow progress and create significant risks for both citizens and institutions.
Moving forward, Albania will need to ramp up its investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, foster international cooperation, and address its internal resource shortages. The stakes are high, as ensuring the security of the financial sector is not just an economic concern, but a matter of national security.