Skopje, 21 January 2025 (MIA) – Minister for Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski at a news conference Tuesday presented the 2025-2028 National Cyber Security Strategy calling it “a turning point in the country’s digital transformation process.”

The government passed the National Cyber Security Strategy at a session recently.

The strategy is adopted at a time when commitment to our digital infrastructure and digitalization has never been greater, he said.

“Unfortunately, for more than three years, Macedonia functioned without a national cyber security strategy leaving a dramatic gap in our preparedness against developing threats. The lack of a comprehensive legislation for cyber security will additionally make us vulnerable leaving the institutions and citizens at risk,” Andonovski told the news conference.  

During this period, he added, we witnessed an alarming rise in cyber attacks and hybrid threats, including attacks on critical infrastructure and public institution and widespread bomb threats and disinformation campaign aiming to destabilize the society.

“These incidents pinpoint an urgent need for a coordinated, strategic and strong approach to protect the Macedonian digital ecosystem. Therefore, the 2025-2028 National Cyber Security Strategy shouldn’t be seen as a reaction to challenges but as a framework looking ahead for creating a safe digital future of every citizen, company and institution in the country,” the Minister said.

The strategy identifies five key priority areas to tackle the most urgent challenges and laying the foundations for sustainable progress, including the establishment of a new cyber security sector at the Ministry for Digital Transformation to improve institutional coordination and response capacities.

Also, critical infrastructures and systems, from energy to healthcare and financial services will be secured. “To protect these vital systems is of key importance for national security and economic stability. Risk management frameworks and public and private partnerships will play a key role,” said Andonovski.

Building of a cyber-resilient society is also one of the priorities, he stressed.

“We will aim to raise public awareness on cyber security making sure every citizen is capable of contributing to safer digital environment,” Andonovski said adding that national and international cooperation will be also improved, including partnership with international allies, such as EU and NATO, so as to enhance the country’s collective resilience.

To meet these priorities, the Minister stressed, the strategy is introducing critical measures that are contained in a detailed action plan and indicative financial plan.

“The strategy provides a roadmap to close existing gaps, protect critical infrastructure and encourage digital environment where businesses can innovate, citizens can prosper and institutions can work safely,” Andonovski told the news conference.

The government, he noted, is fully committed to implementing the strategy with transparency, accountability and urgency. “Together, we have to give priority to security of our digital spaces, to protect the most vulnerable and to enhance trust, considered the foundation of our society,” concluded Minister Andonovski.

Photo: The Minister's office