Operational Technology, Cyber Resilient Ecosystems, and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection: Enhancing Cybersecurity Proficiency for Western Balkans Administrations

06.09.2024

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The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), in collaboration with the Dutch Nationaal Cyber Security Centrum (NCSC-NL) of the Ministry of Justice and Security, conducted a specialized training from 3 to 6 September at WB3C’s new premises in the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro.

The training series was designed to enhance the cybersecurity skills of key government officials from across the Western Balkans, focusing on protecting Critical Infrastructures (CI) and Critical Information Infrastructures (CII). Divided into three segments, the programme covered:

Operational Technology:
Participants learned to secure Operational Technology crucial to sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. Practical sessions explored strategies for defending against cyber threats targeting OT environments.
Cyber Resilient Ecosystems:
This segment focused on building resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding and recovering from cyber incidents. The training involved hands-on exercises to develop regional and sector-specific strategies.
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection:
The final segment provided insights into protecting essential digital assets, with practical exercises to strengthen strategies for safeguarding critical information infrastructures.

The training brought together government officials responsible for digital affairs, national crisis management, and critical infrastructure, as well as researchers in cybersecurity. Led jointly by experts from NCSC-NL and WB3C, this programme reflects WB3C's ongoing commitment to promoting cooperation both internationally and regionally on matters of cybersecurity.

Other news and events

Cyber Training for Judges and Prosecutors

WB3C has successfully concluded a three-day training programme designed to strengthen the capacities of local judges and prosecutors in addressing cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime.

Delivered by WB3C’s in-house trainers, the programme provided participants with a solid foundation to better understand, manage and process complex digital cases.

The training was structured into four thematic blocks:

Typology of cybercrime
Digital evidence collection
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Introduction to cryptocurrencies

This activity is part of WB3C’s ongoing efforts to support the judiciary in building the necessary knowledge and tools to respond to evolving cyber threats.

OSINT Training for Law Enforcement

Today, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) launched a specialized training program designed to equip law enforcement professionals from the Western Balkans with practical skills in open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigations. The training is being led by Brigadier Chief Cyril C. of the French National Police, WB3C's in-house trainer, whose extensive expertise ensures participants gain valuable insights grounded in real-world investigative experience.

The program combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, enhancing participants' ability to identify threats, gather digital evidence in lawful ways and support informed decision-making.

The training will address critical aspects of digital evidence preservation, security checks to prevent data leaks, and safe navigation of the darknet.

Additionally, participants will develop skills in data collection and metadata analysis to extract valuable insights from publicly available information.
This initiative is designed for English-speaking law enforcement officers, particularly those attending WB3C training for the first time, reinforcing their capacity to address emerging digital threats.

Balkan Cybersecurity Days 2025

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) has the pleasure of hosting the 3-day Balkan Cybersecurity Days 2025 conference, co-organized by DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance in collaboration with CIRT.ME and supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This conference reflects WB3C’s ongoing partnership with DCAF, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the Western Balkans.

The conference opened yesterday at the Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro, bringing together around 150 cybersecurity professionals from across the region. Opening remarks were delivered by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, alongside British Ambassador Dawn McKen and Montenegrin Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj, whose Ministry is leading on the digital and cyber agenda in Montenegro. Franziska Klopfer, Principal Programme Manager at DCAF, and Serge Droz, Member of the Board of Directors at FIRST, also shared their perspectives on strengthening partnerships and enhancing cyber resilience.

In his address, Gilles Schwoerer highlighted WB3C’s central role in providing sustainable, long-term capacity building to the region across three pillars: cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberdiplomacy, but also our role in strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the EU alignment process for all Western Balkans administrations.

Over the three days, the conference will continue with expert-led discussions and specialized training sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills in addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges.