Events

A delegation from the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, led by Roland Žel, General Director of the Directorate for Defence Policy, during their official visit to Montenegro, took the opportunity to visit the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) and gain a deeper understanding of its mission and operations. WB3C, a collaborative initiative founded by Slovenia, France and Montenegro serves as a vital platform for enhancing regional cyber resilience and fostering stronger regional and international cooperation in the fields of security and defense.

The delegation was welcomed by Ambassador Tadej Rupel, Slovenia’s Cyber Ambassador and Lieutenant Yannick Casse, Acting Program Director of WB3C, who delivered a detailed presentation on the Centre’s ongoing activites. Their remarks highlighted the crucial role that capacity building and cybersecurity and defense policy coordination play in reinforcing the resilience of the region, especially in light of increasing global cyber threats.

The visit also included distinguished officials from both Slovenia and Montenegro, including Radmila Perović, Acting Director of Defence Policy, Ministry of Defense of Montenegro, Colonel Ivan Turšnek, Slovenian Defence Attaché in Montenegro, Lieutenant Colonel Veljko Mališić, Defence Attaché of Montenegro to Slovenia and other officials from the Ministries of Defence of both countries.

The discussions reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing common challenges and advancing the security of the Western Balkans.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), will be hosting a three-day workshop titled "Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace: International Norms and the Role of the EU in Cyberdiplomacy" from 12 to 14 November. This event brings together experts from across the region and the EU to explore critical aspects of cyberdiplomacy, focusing on international norms, the role of international law in cyberspace, and the European Union's efforts in fostering cyber cooperation.

Workshop Highlights:

• Day 1: An in-depth exploration of the UN Framework on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, including key components such as UN norms, international law, capacity building, and confidence-building measures.
• Day 2: A detailed examination of the EU’s cyber ecosystem and its collaborative efforts with the Western Balkans to enhance regional cybersecurity cooperation.
• Day 3: A hands-on tabletop exercise simulating international cooperation and national coordination in response to a cyber incident.

Why Cyberdiplomacy Matters

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of diplomatic engagement to establish rules of behavior in cyberspace has never been more crucial. Cyberdiplomacy plays a key role in preventing cyber conflicts, promoting trust between nations and ensuring a stable and secure digital environment. The European Union, with its robust cyber ecosystem and diplomatic efforts, is at the forefront of shaping these international norms.

WB3C is actively contributing to these efforts by providing a platform for regional and international cooperation, training and capacity-building. By hosting workshops such as this, WB3C strengthens the ability of Western Balkans countries to engage in global cyberdiplomacy and contribute to the development of a secure and resilient cyberspace.

WB3C is very pleased to have participated in the 5th Regional Cyber Security Conference in Podgorica on 7-8th November. Our Acting Director, Yannick Casse joined an expert panel on the NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive) and shared insights on how France supports companies in elevating their cybersecurity maturity to meet international standards.
Yannick highlighted an innovative tool Diagonal, initially developed for public services in France, such as Municipalities and hospitals, that has since gained traction in the private sector. This tool assesses the cybersecurity maturity of organizations, helping them identify specific requirements, recognize security gaps and strategically plan upgrades. By empowering companies to understand and enhance their cybersecurity frameworks, France aims to create a more resilient digital ecosystem. During its regional conference in June this year, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) took the opportunity to present this tool to our beneficiaries in the Western Balkans administrations as a way of enhancing their cyber capacities. 
Moderated by Valentina Radulović from the Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro, the panel also featured cybersecurity leaders such as Prof. Dr. Savo Tomovic from University of Montenegro / Univerzitet Crne Gore (UCG) Center for Cybersecurity Innovation, Jelena Knežević from the Ministry of Public Administration, Predrag Perkovic from Crnogorski Telekom, and Goran Car, CEO of Combis.
WB3C remains committed to fostering regional dialogue and collaboration to tackle emerging cyber challenges.

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.

We are pleased to announce the upcoming New Technologies and Cybersecurity Workshop, taking place from 5–8 November 2024 at WB3C. This event is part of our ongoing collaboration with our Slovenian partners, including the Government Information Security Office (URSIV) and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP). 

The workshop will cover cutting-edge topics such as quantum technologies, post-quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence applications in cybersecurity, and the latest in cyber threat intelligence. By joining forces with experts from across the region and Europe, we aim to continue strengthening our collective cyber defenses and promote the importance of international cooperation.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to follow us for highlights from the event!

Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) is participating at the First Networking & Technical Workshop on Cybersecurity, organized by UNDP, the Albanian Cybersecurity Authority, and partners from Slovakia 🇸🇰 and Czech Development Agency - CzechAid 🇨🇿. Representing WB3C, our Programme Director, Yannick Casse, contributed to a panel discussion on our role in strengthening cyber resilience across the Western Balkans.
The event, which brings together cybersecurity agencies from the Western Balkans, Georgia and Moldova, emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation to confront evolving digital threats. Mr Casse highlighted WB3C’s initiatives, from capacity-building to policy alignment, all aimed at fostering a secure digital environment in line with EU standards.

Key discussions included:
👉 Cybersecurity Policy & Strategy: Setting up a Cybersecurity Cooperation Network (CCN) for enhanced regional intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses. 
👉 Human Element in Cybersecurity: Addressing vital training needs to reduce risks stemming from human error. 
👉 EU Cyber Alignment: Aligning cybersecurity strategies with EU regulations—a crucial milestone for the region’s digital security ambitions.

We look forward to continued collaboration with our regional partners in building a resilient and secure cyber space!

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) conducted a specialized training program on Cryptocurrencies Investigations from October 28th to 31st, 2024, at its premises in Podgorica. This course was tailored for investigators,  across Western Balkans, including those working in general crime, serious and organized crime, cybercrime, high tech crime and financial investigations, who need to enhance their expertise in the field of crypto-related investigations.

This four-day training will encompass theoretical and practical modules focusing on blockchain technology, Bitcoin and Ethereum networks, wallet management and on-chain analysis. Participants will acquire essential skills to identify and investigate illicit activities involving cryptocurrencies, including understanding blockchain principles, cryptography, transaction tracking and reporting.

On October 24th, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) welcomed General Rudolf Striedinger, Chief of Defence Staff of Austria, as part of his official visit to Montenegro. Hosted by Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević of the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, and facilitated by the Management of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the visit offered a platform for discussing WB3C’s ongoing projects and exploring pathways for future cooperation.

Representing WB3C, Guillaume Narjollet from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris and Lieutenant Yannick Casse, Acting Director of WB3C, introduced the Centre’s objectives and regional activities aimed at strengthening cyber resilience. Lieutenant Casse provided insights into WB3C’s training programs, collaborative initiatives, and its role in advancing cybersecurity capacities across the Western Balkans. The WB3C delegation also included representatives of the Slovenian Embassy in Podgorica, Borut Valenčić, Minister Counsellor and Ivan Turnšek, Defence Attaché .

The Austrian and Montenegrin military delegations also toured WB3C’s facilities, which provided for an exchange of perspectives on the region’s evolving cyber capabilities.  This engagement reflects WB3C’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that enhance cybersecurity capabilities in the region.

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.