Events

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.

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.

Yesterday, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the European People's Party, led by Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Sahmanovic accompanied by State Secretary of the Ministry for Public Administration Dragisa Janjusevic and Aleksandar M. Andjic, Montenegro's National Coordinator for WB3C. 

Director of WB3C, Gilles Schwoerer, along with Katarina Zajec, Minister Counsellor at the Slovenian Embassy in Podgorica, greeted the delegation. They provided a tour of our facilities and presented an overview of WB3C's mission and ongoing initiatives. In addition, our cybercrime experts introduced the guests to WB3C's cyber investigations curriculum, highlighting how we are equipping participants with practical skills to address real-world cybercrime challenges.

During the visit, our guests expressed interest in learning more about WB3C’s partnerships and shared ideas on how these collaborations could be further leveraged with EU stakeholders to support cybersecurity efforts in the region. Their insights contributed to a productive and friendly exchange, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships in advancing regional cyber resilience.

Today, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate for Europe. Accompanied by H.E. Anne-Marie Maskay, the French Ambassador to Montenegro, Mr. Haddad visited WB3C’s facilities and learned more about the Centre’s role in strengthening regional cyber resilience.

During the visit, WB3C’s Director Gilles Schwoerer  presented the Centre’s newly equipped training hub, designed to support cybersecurity capacity-building efforts across the Western Balkans. The Director also outlined WB3C’s mission, which focuses on enhancing regional cooperation, supporting policy alignment with EU standards, and improving the region’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

WB3C held an introductory session this week on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to support professionals responsible for managing personal data. The session was designed for future Data Protection Officers (DPOs), compliance professionals, IT managers and other public servants involved in data governance.

The training was led by Blerta Xhako, General Secretary at Albania's Information and Data Protection Commissioner’s Office and it covered key aspects of data protection law, role of DPO, risk management and information security and compliance tools and procedures. 

During the event, WB3C Director Gilles Schwoerer met with Mrs. Xhako to discuss the region’s ongoing efforts to align privacy legislation with EU standards.

WB3C representatives visited the Police Academy in Danilovgrad this morning for a courtesy meeting with Director Nenad Vojinović and his team, including Head of International Cooperation Jadranka Nikolić and IT Instructor Miodrag Izgarević. The visit provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the Academy’s work and explore avenues for collaboration in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics training.
WB3C Project Lead at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guillaume Narjollet and WB3C Director Gilles Schwoerer, introduced the Centre’s mission and activities, discussing ways to support the Academy in strengthening its cyber training capabilities. WB3C’s Cybercrime trainers Yannick Casse and Cyril C. provided a detailed overview of WB3C’s training programs, outlining key aspects of digital investigations and forensic methodologies.

Key areas of future cooperation include training the Academy’s educators to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer, delivering tailored courses on digital investigations for students, and providing access to modern operating systems and digital tools essential for advanced cyber investigations. Project Manager Vanja Madzgalj MBE noted that WB3C is currently exploring ways for its digital forensic program and future academic initiatives to be recognized by national accreditation authorities. WB3C team visited the Academy’s impressive facilities which include a modern sports hall, fitness centre, shooting ranges, tactical training ground and other facilities for simulated training. 

Director Nenad Vojinović welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of equipping future police officers with the necessary expertise to effectively tackle cyber threats.

Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), in cooperation with BAE Systems, has just launched a specialized training program dedicated to SOC, CSIRT and CERT agents in the Western Balkans. The focus is on mastering the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and respond to cybersecurity incidents—guiding participants through key strategies for containment, recovery and resolution of complex cyber threats.

Over three intensive days, participants will engage in network data analysis, memory forensics, digital forensics techniques, persistence mechanisms, timeline analysis, risk mitigation, remediation planning and hands-on malware analysis.

The training integrates practical lab exercises to reinforce investigative skills, ensuring that cybersecurity professionals across the region are equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard critical infrastructure.
This initiative is part of WB3C’s broader effort to enhance regional cybersecurity capacity in alignment with EU standards.

Yesterday, Director of Studies and Head of WB3C Gilles Schwoerer attended the International Conference on Law and Security in the Digital World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Kolašin. Organized by the Faculty of Law Podgorica of the University of Montenegro and the Association of Security Managers of Montenegro, the conference brought together legal experts, cybersecurity professionals and policymakers to discuss AI’s growing influence on governance, security and justice.

The agenda covered critical topics such as AI and Legislation – How national and international laws are evolving to regulate AI, AI in Cyberspace – the role of AI in cybersecurity and national security strategies and AI in Forensics – the potential of AI to support investigations and law enforcement.

Beyond the panels and discussions, Gilles had the opportunity to connect with experts from across the field, exchanging insights and exploring potential synergies for future collaboration. Supporting regional cooperation and strengthening cyber resilience are key objectives for WB3C, and platforms like this provide valuable opportunities to build a collective defense network.

Today, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) launched a specialized training program for Montenegrin police professionals and investigators, focusing on cryptography, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency transactions. The WB3C Director Gilles Schwoerer welcomed H.E. Anne-Marie Maskay, French Ambassador to Montenegro and Mr. Lazar Šćepanović, Acting Director of the Montenegro Police Administration, who officially opened the training, addressing the participants about the central place that cryptocurrency plays in criminal investigations today. 

As financial crimes increasingly involve cryptocurrencies, understanding blockchain transactions, forensic tracing and crypto wallet analysis has become essential for law enforcement agencies. Throughout the week, participants will engage in hands-on exercises, practical case studies and advanced investigative techniques to strengthen their ability to track illicit financial flows and disrupt criminal networks operating in the digital space. 

This week’s training is led by Lt. Yannick Casse, a WB3C expert in cybercrime investigations, who will guide participants through real-world applications of blockchain analysis, de-anonymization techniques and strategies for lawfully seizing digital assets. This training is just one in a series of programs planned under the cybercrime pillar which will be delivered to law enforcement professionals from the Western Balkans throughout the year. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to leverage technology to disrupt criminal activity is essential for every police investigator. Our partnership with local police authorities and our funding partners provides a strong impetus for building sustainable investigative capabilities in Montenegro and the region.