On February 18, a webinar brought together 44 journalists and media professionals from six Western Balkan countries to gain deeper insights into the state of the digital environment, and equip them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex and threatening digital landscape.
Cyber Guardian: Journalists’ Digital Resilience is a collaborative initiative between two BIRN projects – Western Balkans Media for Change and Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms.
The online training presented findings on digital threats and attacks while equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance their protection in the digital space.
The online sessions were led by Donika Elshani, a cybersecurity expert and researcher, who presented findings from the research paper, “Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape and Institutional Responses to Cybersecurity Threats in the Western Balkans”.
This report serves as an expanded addition to BIRN’s Digital Rights Violations Annual Report 2023-2024 and provides a comprehensive regional analysis of emerging trends and recurring breaches in the cybersecurity landscape of the Western Balkans.
It highlights critical vulnerabilities in infrastructure and media exposure to cyberattacks, offering a detailed assessment of institutional responses to cybersecurity threats across all Western Balkans countries.
Findings revealed that most states in the region have adopted a reactive rather than proactive approach to cyber threats, often driven by external pressures rather than making genuine, forward-looking efforts.
Progress appears to stem more from the urgency of responding to crises than from careful planning or foresight. The report underscored the need for a multisectoral approach to create a safer digital environment.
The second session was also the final Learning Circle under the Western Balkans Media for Change project. The objective was to enhance participants’ knowledge of digital safety practices – an essential skill in today’s world. The training provided advice on identifying phishing threats, implementing preventive measures, and utilizing practical tools and applications.
Participants were guided on protecting electronic devices, safeguarding against remote intrusions (including hacking, malware, and phishing attacks), and adopting safe internet browsing practices. The session concluded with practical demonstrations, allowing participants to observe real-life examples of cyberattacks and understand their mechanisms firsthand.
This training is part of the Western Balkans Media for Change Project, funded by the UK government and implemented by the British Council in partnership with BIRN, the Thomson Foundation, and INTRAC, as well as part of the Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms project, funded by the EU.