How Can We Bridge the Cybersecurity Capacity Gap?

These issues were the focus of the third session of the National Cybersecurity Conference, organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority on November 3, 2026, in Tirana. Under the theme “More rules, more responsibility, fewer experts: how can we bridge the cybersecurity capacity gap?”, the session addressed the preparation of new professionals, the development of existing personnel, and opportunities to attract and retain talent in the field. Participants included Ismail Kocayusufoğlu, Rector of the Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT); Darko Angelov, Director of the OSCE Security Cooperation Department; Vanja Madžgalj, Strategic Projects Manager at the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C); and Lieutenant Colonel Valëzim Lika, representative of the Cyber and Liaison Command of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania. Minga emphasized the role of experts in responding promptly to threats, highlighting the NCSA’s cooperation with critical and important information infrastructures, the banking sector, telecommunications, and international partners. He presented the OSCE’s engagement with the NCSA in prevention and awareness-raising, including activities with young people and the most vulnerable groups online. The discussion highlighted the need for human resources policies to cover the entire professional journey: from early exposure to cybersecurity and academic preparation, through practical experience and employment, to continuous skills development.