Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing modern society. When cyberspace power is misused, the primary target often becomes democracy, particularly within civil society and the media. During a panel discussion on the state of cybersecurity in the Western Balkans and Europe, panelists agreed that numerous challenges exist that have great potential to undermine both democracy and the security of citizens.

 

 

 

Ramadan Ilazi, the head of research at the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies, points out that cyber security is becoming the backbone of the security eco-system which is why it is important to understand the broader picture. In this regard, he highlights that misinformation is an important and vulnerable aspect of cyber security in Western Balkans. Additionally, he says that connecting the West Balkans with EU regulations and the “Single Digital Market” is the next logical step. Finally, these new threats created an arena for international hybrid warfare, which uses narratives of heightened tensions and dangers to promulgate instability.

 

 

 

Ruairi Nolan, the deputy program director for Amnesty Technology, highlights the trend of more attacks happening to civil society individuals. He states that though the number of victims may not be high, “the broader chilling effect” it has within the sector is the most important effect. He continues by stating that spyware is a systemic issue, meaning the blame should not primarily be on companies, but on governments who are the main customers. He concludes by mentioning a connection between online and offline threats, especially highlighting the fact that marginalized groups are more vulnerable to online attacks.

 

 

Bojan Perkov, a Digital Policy Coordinator at the SHARE Foundation, opens by pointing out the nuance between attacks in range and type, as well as listing a few DDOS attacks against independent media which occurred in the region. He says that cyber security is not a priority for a lot of independent media and CSOs, mainly due to the lack of financial resources. With the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats, it is hard to keep up with acquiring the necessary protection. He concludes by saying he believes the key to tackling these issues is international cooperation, specifically by regulating spyware at the highest level.

 

 

Sophie in ‘t Veld, former member of the European Parliament, highlighted that problems such as abuse of power in cyberspace are not present only in the Western Balkans, but in the European Union as well. Leaders with autocratic tendencies use spyware to deal with their political opponents and to silence the media and NGOs, all while (mis)using the broad concept of “national security”. When all of that is combined, Sophie in ‘t Veld concludes, democracy and individual human rights face serious threats of diminishment.