Military Cyber Security Unit (Albania)
| Military Cyber Security Unit | |
|---|---|
| (Një e Sigurisë Kibernetike) | |
| Active | January 14, 2024 – present |
| Country | Albania |
| Type | Cybersecurity unit |
| Garrison/HQ | Tirana |
| Website | www |
Military Cyber Security Unit (Një e Sigurisë Kibernetike)[1] is a specialized branch of the Albanian Armed Forces dedicated to defending military networks and infrastructure against cyber threats. Established in 2024, the unit is central to Albania's growing emphasis on national and allied cyber defense.
History
[edit]The unit was officially established on January 14, 2024, during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi, and U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim. Its creation was supported by an $8.4 million U.S. investment, part of a $50 million broader cybersecurity aid package.[2]
This initiative also included the setup of the Combatting Cyber Attack Response Center (CCARC), equipped with IBM’s QRadar Suite for 24/7 threat detection and mitigation.
Mission
[edit]CSMU's main responsibilities include:
- Protecting military IT infrastructure.
- Detecting and responding to cyber incidents.
- Supporting joint defense operations through cyber capabilities.
- Coordinating with NATO and international allies on cyber policy and joint exercises.
Operations and activities
[edit]In May 2025, the CSMU participated in the Cyber Yankee 2025 exercise held in New Hampshire, USA. The Albanian team achieved top scores in the "Capture the Flag" competition, reflecting growing national expertise in cyber defense.[3]
Organizational structure
[edit]The unit operates under the Armed Forces Cyber and Liaison Command, established to coordinate all military cyber operations. It also collaborates with the Security and Defense Innovation Center, focusing on R&D in cyber capabilities and military tech innovation.[4]
Strategic significance
[edit]The creation of CSMU came after a series of high-profile cyberattacks on Albanian government systems in 2022, which were attributed to state-sponsored actors. The unit enhances Albania’s defense readiness and contributes to NATO’s collective cyber defense strategy.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Siguria kombëtare dhe kontributi në sigurinë globale". mod.gov.al. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ^ "USD 8.4 Million Military Cyber Security Unit Inaugurated". Albanian Daily News. 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Albania Participates in International Cyber Exercise Cyber Yankee 2025". Ministry of Defense of Albania. May 2025.
- ^ "Defense Minister Hails Establishment of Albania's Armed Forces Cyber and Liaison Command". ATA News. 2 June 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Embassy Advances Albanian Armed Forces Cyber Defense Capability". U.S. Embassy in Albania. 22 May 2024.