Spotlight on Emerging Cybersecurity Technologies

06.11.2024

In collaboration with Slovenia’s Urad Vlade Republike Slovenije za informacijsko varnost (URSIV) and CEP - Centre for European Perspective, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) is hosting a workshop this week on emerging technologies that are shaping cybersecurity approaches globally. This workshop will showcase significant advancements such as #QuantumCryptography, AI-driven geopolitical monitoring and #DeceptionTechnology and one of the focal points will be quantum technology.

Quantum technology is a groundbreaking approach in cryptography that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to secure data. Quantum cryptography, particularly post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution, offers advanced methods to protect information, making it more resilient to attacks even from future quantum computers. However, the technology also presents challenges, as it requires new standards, infrastructure and an adaptation period to ensure its effective integration.

The workshop will feature a number of distinguished speakers and experts from Slovenia:

Mitja Trampuz and Dr. Nastja Cepak from CREAPLUS, presenting on Quantum Technologies and Cryptography, covering post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution and their implications for digital security.
Marko Grobelnik from the Jožef Stefan Institute, discussing Geopolitical Monitoring and Foresight with AI, focusing on global media monitoring for situational awareness.
Matjaz B. on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
Lara Ulčakar of the Faculty for Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana on the #SiQUID project.
Dr. Urban Sedlar from the University of Ljubljana, exploring Deception Technology in Cybersecurity and its role in gathering threat intelligence.
Dr. Tomaz Klobucar from the Jožef Stefan Institute, on Large Language Models (LLMs) in cybersecurity, discussing their integration into organizational security.
Dr. Ramanpreet kaur from the Jožef Stefan Institute, addressing AI Applications in Cybersecurity, with a focus on implementation strategies and trends.
This workshop brings together cybersecurity professionals, policymakers and law enforcement from across the Western Balkans countries, and this collaborative approach that WB3C applies as its standard practice demonstrates our commitment to regional cooperation and highlighting the need for joint action and collaboration in addressing cyber challenges.

Other news and events

Building the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

Last week in Durres, Albania, 60 students from across the Western Balkans came together for the Western Balkan Cyber Camp 2025 - a dynamic, hands-on learning experience focused on building practical skills and regional collaboration in cybersecurity. The camp featured expert-led sessions, live cyber drills and exchanges with professionals from national CSIRTs, giving participants the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and deepen their understanding of today’s digital threats.
Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) was proud to support this important regional initiative, alongside Autoriteti Kombëtar për Sigurinë Kibernetike / National Cyber Security Authority, OSCE Presence in Albania, e-Governance Academy and GIZ Albania HR.

The WB3C delegation was led by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, who emphasized our ongoing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and investing in the next generation of cyber talent.

At WB3C, we see events like this as essential to creating a resilient digital future - by connecting people, sharing knowledge and empowering the cyber professionals of tomorrow.

France Ratifies International Agreement on WB3C

We are excited to share a significant milestone in the journey of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre initiative. On 22 May 2025, the French Parliament ratified an international agreement that officially recognizes WB3C as an international organization. With this ratification, WB3C joins Slovenia and Montenegro in formalizing its status as a regional organization dedicated to strengthening cyber resilience of institutions and fostering cooperation across the Western Balkans.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in our mission to support the institutions of the Western Balkans through capacity-building and regional cooperation. It also makes WB3C the first international organization headquartered in Montenegro, underscoring the country's strategic importance in regional integration.

While the formal ratification is a major breakthrough, the journey continues as we work towards establishing the full operational framework of the organization. We remain committed to advancing our work and look forward to the next chapters of this exciting evolution.

We are deeply grateful to our partner governments, stakeholders and supporters whose dedication has brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, we are building a more stable, prosperous and interconnected Western Balkans.

Two days of sharing insight and collaboration

It was a privilege to welcome so many distinguished colleagues, partners, and new collaborators to the Cyber Capacity Building Workshop, jointly hosted by World Economic Forum Cybersecurity and Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) on 19-20 May .

The workshop brought together a remarkable group of cybersecurity professionals, policymakers and private sector leaders and educators for two days of focused discussions on issues: cyber talent shortage and international collaboration in disrupting cybercrime.

Mr. Marash Dukaj, Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro, who opened the event with a keynote, following the welcome speech by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, emphasized the urgency of strengthening cyber capabilities across the Western Balkans. This was followed by insights from a high-level panel featuring:
-Dušan Polović, Ministry of Public Administration, Montenegro
-Ivan Boskovic, e-Commerce Association of Montenegro
-Jelena Zelenovic Matone, European Investment Bank, and
-Rob Rashotte, Fortinet (Canada),
who bring vast experience and knowledge from their global operations.
The panel was moderated by Natasa Perucica, World Economic Forum, Lead for capacity building at the WEF Cybersecurity Centre.

The programme continued in two parallel tracks:
🔹 Stream 1 focused on building and retaining cybersecurity talent, with speakers from Accenture, Check Point, Université de Troyes, Fortinet, National Cybersecurity Authority of Saudi Arabia, and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

During the workshop, the World Economic Forum also presented two key publications that offer practical insights into developing the cybersecurity workforce:
Strategic Cybersecurity Talent Framework
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eZ9mFTyt
Growing Cyber Talent Through Public-Private Partnerships
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gQ8xczpM

Both publications highlight proven approaches, success stories and lessons from global partnerships that are highly relevant for the Western Balkans and beyond.
🔹 Stream 2 explored operational collaboration against cybercrime, with contributions from Europol EC3, Sekoia.io, Standard Chartered, and the World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Atlas Initiative.
Across both streams, discussions were practical and constructive—examining the realities of cyber workforce shortages, the anatomy of current threats, and the importance of trust and cross-border cooperation.
Gilles Schwoerer, provided a brief overview of the Centre’s three pillars—cybersecurity, cybercrime, and cyberdiplomacy—emphasizing the importance of partnerships in advancing this collaborative effort.

A sincere thank you to all speakers, contributors, and participants for your openness and energy throughout the workshop. We are especially grateful to our partners at the World Economic Forum for their support in building cyber resilience of the Western Balkans.