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

Regional Workshop for Young Women Entering Cybersecurity Workforce

This week, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C) is buzzing with energy and ambition! In a powerful collaboration with our partners DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, FIRST, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the British Council, WB3C is hosting a two-day regional workshop dedicated to 70 inspiring young women in ICT entering the cybersecurity workforce from across the Western Balkans. The journey began with inspiring opening remarks that set the tone for the days ahead given by:

Her Majesty's Ambassador Dawn McKen of the British Embassy Montenegro
Béatrice Godefroy, Deputy Director DCAF, who address the participants online from Geneva,
Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C
Nina Lukic, Senior Programme Manager at the British Council

The event's host is Franziska Klopfer, DCAF Programme Director for Western Balkans and the mastermind behind the event.

These 70 ambitious young women are members of the British Council's #CybHER project network, and for the next two days, they are diving deep into the world of cybersecurity. Why does this matter?

Because the digital frontier needs their talent, perspective and skill. Cybersecurity isn't just about code and firewalls, it's about building a safer, more resilient world for everyone. And to do that effectively, we need diverse teams that reflect the society they protect.

Over these two days, the agenda is packed with action and inspiration:

✨ A motivating keynote from Mona Elisabeth Østvang of FIRST.

✨ Hands-on "Capture the Flag" challenges to test their technical skills.

✨ Inspirational presentations and testimonials from female cyber experts, showing them the incredible career paths that lie ahead.

✨ A panel on the "Meaningful Participation of Women in the Cybersecurity Workforce," turning discussion into action.

This is more than a workshop - it's a catalyst. It's about building a regional network of support, sparking curiosity and empowering the next generation of cyber defenders. These young women are not just the future; they are the urgently needed present of cybersecurity. Western Balkans needs these women leaders across technical and non-technical fields of cybersecurity.

Meeting with European partners

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) had the privilege of hosting a productive meeting with key European partners to discuss enhancing synergy in our collective efforts.

We were honored to be joined by:
• Ivan Leković, Cyber Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
• Ms. Manon Le Blanc, Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of the Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS)
• Mr. Hein Dries, Cyber Security Expert from the Council of Europe (CoE) / CILC
• Ms. Emily von Rheenen, Senior Project Manager at CILC, NL

The meeting was hosted by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, and Vanja Madzgalj, Senior Project Manager, focusing on exchanging information on various cybersecurity initiatives across the region. The shared goal is to explore optimal models for cooperation and coordination, ensuring we maximize our collective impact in strengthening cyber resilience.

A sincere thank you to all participants for their valuable insights and commitment to a more secure and collaborative digital future for the Western Balkans.

Cybersecurity Awareness Program

We are continuing our good cooperation with URSIV - Republic of Slovenia Government Information Security Office and today, we launch a three-day Cybersecurity Awareness Program. This intensive training (3-6 November 2025) is intended for government officials, policy makers, cybersecurity officers in public institutions and critical infrastructure and IT and security managers across Western Balkans.

The program will provide practical knowledge on:
🔒 Building & evaluating internal cybersecurity awareness programs.
🤝 Establishing a national Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) ecosystem.
📜 Understanding the key aspects of the NIS2 Directive transposition.

The participants were welcomed by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C and Igor Kovač, representing the Republic of Slovenia Government Information Security Office (URSIV).

A special thank you to our expert trainers from the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate: Alina U., Diana-Alexandra Morea, Mihai Marica, Cristian Driga and Daniel I. for sharing their invaluable expertise.