22/04/2024
The Kosovar Center for Security Studies (KCSS) has released a comprehensive report titled "Road to Resilience: Governance and Capacity Building in Kosovo's Cyber Defense and Critical Infrastructure." The report, authored by Chris J. Dolan, provides valuable insights into the current state of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection in Kosovo and outlines recommendations for building resilience in the face of evolving threats.
The report emphasizes the importance of governance and capacity building in addressing emerging threats related to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, disinformation, and hybrid security challenges. It highlights the need for evidence-based research, awareness-raising campaigns, and targeted advocacy to enhance the understanding of these challenges among executive institutions and agencies in Kosovo.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Laws and Legal Frameworks: The report acknowledges the significant legislative achievements in Kosovo, such as the Law on Cyber Security (LCS) and the Law on Critical Infrastructure (LCI). These laws, along with the Kosovo Security Strategy (KSS) and Cyber Security Strategy, prioritize cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection as national security priorities.
2. Cyber Security Agency (CSA): While progress has been made in terms of legislation and strategic guidance, the report emphasizes the need for support and coordination for the newly established Cyber Security Agency. The CSA is expected to play a crucial role in coordinating cyber policy implementation, incident response, and securing Kosovo's cyberspace.
3. Capacity Building Needs: The report highlights the importance of continuous improvement in attracting and retaining a skilled cyber workforce in public institutions. It emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships, advanced technologies, and cybersecurity education and awareness in building capacity and enhancing resilience.
The report also emphasizes the need for centralized governance, early detection and threat intelligence, and risk mitigation and vulnerability assessment in Kosovo's cyber defense and critical infrastructure protection efforts.
To address these challenges, the report provides several recommendations, including the centralization and coordination of cyber and critical infrastructure operations, alignment of strategic guidance with legislation, development of training programs, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international partners and the private sector.
The publication of this report by KCSS aims to promote the democratization of the security sector in Kosovo and contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, security agencies, academia, and the public in understanding the road to resilience in Kosovo's cyber defense and critical infrastructure.
Report link: https://qkss.org/en/publikimet/rruga-drejt-qendrueshmerise-qeverisja-dhe-ndertimi-i-kapaciteteve-ne-sigurine-kibernetike-dhe-infrastrukturen-kritike-te-kosoves/
