Events

This week, from 22 to 25 October, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) is concluding the final phase of its comprehensive cybercrime training programme, focusing on investigators and prosecutors from North Macedonia. This marks the completion of the broader year-long programme aimed at strengthening the cybercrime response capabilities of law enforcement across the Western Balkans.

The training, which utilizes the "serious games" methodology, involves practical exercises designed to simulate real-world cybercrime scenarios, with particular attention to open-source intelligence (OSINT) and cryptocurrency-related investigations. By applying these methods, participants apply and enhance their skills in tracking and tracing criminal activity.

This programme represents a significant step forward in improving the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies in tackling cybercrime. Equally important is the focus on fostering greater collaboration and coordination between different agencies at the regional and international level, reinforcing a united approach to addressing the growing cyber threats in the Western Balkans.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive certificates of attendance, officially completing this critical phase of WB3C’s capacity-building initiative.

Strengthening Cybercrime Capabilities: Regional Training for Prosecutors and Investigators from Albania

This week, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) hosted a three-day training session for prosecutors from Albania as part of its ongoing programme to enhance cybercrime response across the region. The training focused on practical exercises, including simulations that replicated real-world scenarios, with an emphasis on open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and cryptocurrency investigations.

Prosecutors and investigators worked together on case studies designed to improve their ability to tackle cybercrime efficiently. At the conclusion of the training, participants received certificates of attendance, marking their completion of this phase of the program.

WB3C remains committed to supporting regional efforts to build stronger, coordinated responses to cyber threats by providing practical training and facilitating collaboration among professionals from different branches of law enforcement.

This week at the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), we concluded another important phase of our ongoing efforts to enhance cybercrime capabilities in the region. Prosecutors from North Macedonia, together with police investigators from Kosovo*, participated in a practical tabletop exercise following a week of theoretical training. This collaborative training, held from 8-10 October, was led by WB3C experts and regional specialists, reflecting our commitment to promoting regional cooperation on matters of cybercrime.

The training included “serious games” simulations replicating real-world scenarios used for training cybercrime professionals in solving complex problems, focusing on OSINT techniques in cryptocurrency investigations. These practical skills are essential to ensuring a swift and effective response to cyber incidents.

By engaging local and regional experts, WB3C reinforces the importance of cooperation not only within the Western Balkans but also with our international and EU partners. Strengthening coordination between prosecutors and investigators in this training is a key step toward creating a unified and resilient approach to combatting cybercrime in the region.

« * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. »

Empowering women for CyberTech is one of the strategic objectives of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C). By joining forces with our partners Urad Vlade Republike Slovenije za informacijsko varnost, CEP - Centre for European Perspective, Women4Cyber Slovenia and Women4Cyber Montenegro we worked with women from different industries and administrations across the region on understanding the political, economic, societal and technical context in which cyber threats occur and empowering them to champion, lead and develop new talent for the cyber industry. 

Over the two days, from 29 September to 1 October, 18 women cyber experts from the public and private sectors from the Western Balkans, gathered at WB3C for a workshop to learn, share knowledge and discuss gender based crimes that occur in the digital space and how to stay safe. We covered a number of topics, from understanding the context which gives rise to cybercrime, to raising awareness, developing and empowering new talent for cyber tech and leveraging the existing expertise and leadership we have among women in the region, to champion women's greater participation and leadership in this industry.  

By working in partnership with leading organizations specializing in women4cyber, we reinforce the importance of regional and international cooperation in tackiling cybercrime and building our collective response to growing cyber threats in the Western Balkans region and globally.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre is hosting a two-day technical training programme on 19-20 September, delivered by our partners e-Governance Academy focused on equipping CSIRT/SOC staff with the skills to effectively manage threat intelligence information. The training features esteemed instructors from CERT-EE / Information System Authority of Estonia: Tonu Tammer, the previous Director of CERT-EE, and Heiki Pikker, Senior Information Security Expert.

In our interconnected world, the security landscape is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for organizations. To protect our operations and assets, we need to proactively identify and mitigate threats before they become problematic. This training programme teaches how to gather, analyze, and address these threats efficiently.

Key topics include:

Managing intelligence workflows

Recognizing malware signatures

Utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT)

Evaluating intelligence credibility

Optimizing MISP (Malware Information Sharing Platform) usage

Establishing effective information management practices

By the end of the training, participants will gain valuable insights into various threat intelligence tools and automation possibilities, as well as techniques for sharing information with domestic and international allies. This knowledge will enhance regional cooperation in intelligence sharing and help establish standard procedures for collective security strategies.

This week, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) is conducting a five-day training for police investigators from the Western Balkans region. This training is part of a comprehensive two-week program that begins with a focus on theoretical foundations and is followed by practical exercises based on both simulated and real-world cybercrime cases. Throughout the year, this training is also provided to local prosecutors and judges, with participants brought together during the second week to collaborate on cybercrime cases. This integrated approach fosters cooperation among various law enforcement branches, enhancing their effectiveness in combating cybercrime.

As law enforcement professionals in the Western Balkans face growing challenges from rapidly evolving cyber threats, this training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge. The theory part of the course covers the following areas:

1. Typology of Crime (ToC): Understanding the classification and types of crimes related to cyberspace.

2. Digital Evidence Collection and Cooperation: Methods for collecting digital evidence and working with relevant stakeholders.

3. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): Techniques for gathering publicly accessible information for investigations.

4. Introduction to Crypto Assets: Understanding the basics of cryptocurrency, including its role in cybercrime.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify criminal offenses related to cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime.

2. Legally gather evidence in cyber-related criminal cases.

3. Localize and identify items exploitable for digital forensic operations.

4. Collect open-source intelligence and use geolocation tools.

5. Utilize channels of cooperation with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and social networks.

6. Understand the concept and functioning of crypto assets, the transaction process, tracking methods, and subsequent proceedings.

As technology advances, the online exploitation of children has become one of the most pressing challenges confronting law enforcement worldwide.
From 10-13 September 2024, WB3C will host a workshop for law enforcement professionals and cybersecurity experts from SEPCA member countries, focusing on cryptocurrency and online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The workshop is organized by WB3C in partnership with the Southeast Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA), Council of Europe (COE), OSCE, Austrian Cybercrime Competence Centre (C4), and the Ministry of Interior of Serbia.
WB3C experts, together with our partners, will lead an intense 3-day program addressing three critical areas:

1.     Cryptocurrency Investigations:
This session explores the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal activities, particularly involving children. Participants will receive practical training on blockchain tracing, asset seizure, and using specialized tools to track illicit transactions, including best practices for evaluating wallets and understanding derivation paths.

2.     Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Online:
Investigators will receive training on disrupting illegal networks involving exploitation of children, focusing on international cooperation. The session covers psychological support for investigators who are dealing with this highly distressing issue, and discusses undercover operations, digital platforms used for child abuse, and methods for collecting electronic evidence.

3.     Cross-Border Collaboration:
The workshop will enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies from the region and international partners. The goal is to share knowledge, foster coordination, and provide updates on efforts to combat cybercrime globally.

This event marks a significant step in our shared mission to protect children from exploitation and hold those who use emerging technologies for illicit purposes accountable. Together, we can strengthen tools and techniques to safeguard vulnerable communities and dismantle criminal networks.

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. 

Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) community members meeting in Geneva on 2-3 July, titled „Bridging the Cyber Skills Gap“, which brought together private and public sector leaders from around the world.

Our team from the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), represented by Tadej Rupel, Digital and Cyber Ambassador at MFEA Slovenia, and Vanja Madzgalj, Senior Project Manager at WB3C, contributed to discussions on developing actionable strategies to create, attract, recruit and retain cybersecurity talent. The meeting explored the ways of putting

Strategic Cybersecurity Talent Framework (https://lnkd.in/eZ9mFTyt) into motion, identifying barriers and setting future workstreams.

On Day 1, dynamic discussions among the group were prompted by key presentations on the Future Of Jobs Report 2023, highlighting the impact of technological advancements and green transition on the labor market, and ILO Perspectives on Employment and Skills, addressing challenges in skills development for cybersecurity roles.

On Day 2, discussions focused on the impact of AI on cybersecurity jobs and strategies for leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) to build a sustainable talent pipeline. WB3C's team contributions included sharing our methodology for creating relevant training programs, leveraging partnerships, the role of diplomacy in fighting cybercrime, and best practices in cybersecurity education.

The WEF meeting was a significant step towards addressing the cybersecurity skills gap, and we look forward to implementing these strategies within the Western Balkans region and working in partnership with our global allies.