Skopje, 29 January 2025 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski attended Wednesday an event aimed at raising awareness of cyber threats and strengthening the Government's capacity to manage cyber crises, which was organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the project on improving regional cybersecurity in the Western Balkans funded by the United Kingdom. 

The event took place at the Skopje-based "Goce Delchev" army barracks where a simulation of a cyber hybrid attack was held, as well as a formal handover of the Minimum Cyber Security Standards for government institutions, which have been developed in cooperation with the British Embassy. In addition to PM Mickoski, British Ambassador Matthew Lawson and Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski also addressed the event.  

British Ambassador Lawson pointed out that cybersecurity is a fundamental building block of national security and economic stability. 

"As a NATO partner and ally, we have shared the UK's knowledge, expertise and remain committed to supporting the country in developing a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem and a more secure, stable, and prosperous future," the Ambassador said. 

Minister of Digital Transformation Andonovski highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's digital era, noting that the world is constantly changing.

"Fifteen years ago, electronic systems suffered from misuse, ignorance or systemic deficiencies. Today, they are the target of strategic hybrid military attacks by state and non-state entities. This simulation exercise tests our readiness, but it also reflects our determination to increase our resilience and strengthen the foundations of national and regional cybersecurity, through cooperation, assistance and support," said Andonovski. 

PM Mickoski also stressed that the exercise and the experience of strategic partners in dealing with cyber threats is a positive lesson that should be taken, in terms of future steps to protect institutions. He pointed out that an organized approach is needed in dealing with such threats so that institutions do not cope alone. The PM announced that a primary data centre for all institutions will be established, and the Government's priority is the digitalization of the state.

"Our focus is on creating a primary data centre or a data centre which will then be connected with the institutions of the state. In order to be more efficient in all that, it is in the rank of priorities and the overall security in the state. So, I believe that in the coming period we have a big challenge here, it is already within the priorities, in terms of the growth plan that we expect, and financing assistance from the EU, so all of this is part of the security of the state and we, as a Government, have a responsibility to ensure such security, because in this way we protect the sovereignty of Macedonia as a state," said Mickoski. 

Supported by the UK Government and the British Embassy in Skopje, the simulation exercise served as a step in the implementation of tailored cybersecurity solutions, mechanisms and standards for state institutions. The efforts are part of a wider regional initiative to improve resilience and security in the Western Balkans. Participants in Wednesday's event engaged in discussions and practical exercises designed to improve understanding of hybrid and cyber threats. The simulation tested the preparedness of institutions to manage cyber incidents. The event marks a key step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its cyber defence capabilities and lays the foundation for a more secure and resilient digital future.

Photo: MIA / Government