Italy and Albania sign a cybersecurity memorandum: A memorandum of understanding was signed in Tirana between the Director General of the Italian National Cyber Security Agency (ACN), Bruno Frattasi, and the Director General of the Albanian National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Igli Tafa. This is an important step in the process of bilateral cooperation between Italy and Albania in the field of cybersecurity. The agreement provides for collaboration on several key areas, including cyber capacity building, exchange of information, adoption of best practices, sharing of experiences and procedures in the field of cyber security, mutual assistance in the prevention and management of cyber incidents, and the development of joint strategic projects.

Strategic countries

The protocol represents a significant step forward in strengthening relations between the two countries, highlighting the importance of international synergy to address the increasingly complex challenges in cyber security. Albania, considered a strategic player in the Balkans, also plays a central role in cybersecurity in the area. The signing was also an opportunity to discuss crucial topics such as the introduction to the main areas of activity of ACN and NCSA, the state of the cyber threat at the international level, and prospects for future cooperation.

“I am very pleased with the agreement signed with the Albanian National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA),” said ACN DG Bruno Frattasi, “as it strengthens bilateral cooperation between our countries in a crucial area such as cyber security. In a context of increasingly sophisticated and pervasive cyber threats, in fact, it is essential that Italy and Albania join forces to improve the security and resilience of our critical infrastructures”. Not only will this strengthen the capacity to respond to cyber-attacks, but it will also contribute to the stability and security of the Adriatic area, a region of strategic importance for both nations.

National Cybersecurity Agency

With Italy being Albania’s first trading partner, it is crucial that the cybersecurity dimension also aligns with the high levels of cooperation between the two countries. As far as Italy is concerned, we are particularly focused on implementing the national strategy, which, among its objectives, also includes strengthening both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The meeting was attended by ACN Chief of Cabinet Gianluca Ignagni, ACN Head of Strategy and Cooperation Service Massimo Marotti, ACN Head of Operations and Cyber Crisis Management Service Gianluca Galasso, the Director of the Directorate of Risk and Cybersecurity Measures Control NCSA Saimir Kapllani, the Director of the NCSA Cybersecurity Analysis Directorate Adriano Lleshi, the Director of the NCSA Incident Monitoring and Response Directorate Esmeralda Kazia and the Head of the NCSA Cyber Incident Monitoring and Response Branch Klorenta Pashaj. After the signing, Ambassador Fabrizio Bucci received the two delegations at the Italian Embassy in Tirana.

Through this memorandum, Italy and Albania commit to work together to enhance their capabilities to defend against cyber-attacks, share information on emerging threats, and adopt best practices in the field of cyber security. Furthermore, the agreement provides mutual assistance in preventing and managing cyber incidents, promoting sharing experiences and procedures.