IPKO organised the 2nd Cybersecurity Conference, bringing together a significant number of participants from businesses, government institutions, the financial sector, academia, and international technology partners. The conference served as a strategic platform to address current cybersecurity risks and to share practical experience in protecting digital infrastructure and critical systems.
The conference programme included thematic presentations, structured panel discussions, and concrete industry cases, offering a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity from technical, operational, and institutional perspectives. Particular focus was placed on critical infrastructure security, telecommunications networks, digital risk management, and compliance with international standards.
The presentations addressed the importance of building sustainable capacities to protect digital systems, increasing resilience to cyber incidents, and the role of inter-institutional and international cooperation in responding to growing threats.
A significant part of the conference was dedicated to digital resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure. In this context, Dr. Albulena Xhelili Berisha, Director of the Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) Programme, funded by USAID, presented the role of cybersecurity in strengthening institutions and critical systems in Kosovo.
The conference also brought concrete experience from the telecommunications and technology sector. Faton Kurteshi, Head of the Technical Department at IPKO, presented infrastructure developments and the company’s strategic approach to integrating cybersecurity into telecommunications services.
From a regional and international perspective, Metod Platiše and Matjaž Katarinčič from Telekom Slovenije shared experiences on digital transaction security, forensic analysis, network protection, and electronic identification. Meanwhile, Hrvoje Marinović from Ericsson presented advanced approaches to telecommunications network architecture and security aspects in complex networks.
Important contributions were also made by international cybersecurity partners. Paul Palmer from Bitdefender spoke about protection against modern threats and the importance of advanced security solutions, while Nir Sherwinter from CyberArk focused on identity management, regulatory compliance, and the protection of critical systems in cloud and hybrid environments.
One of the central points of the conference was the panel discussion on the strategic role of cybersecurity and the need for cross-sector cooperation in addressing digital risks.
The panel brought together representatives from the public, financial, and private sectors, including:
- Artan Dreshaj – Director of the Department for Cybersecurity and Systems Administration
- Blerim Tahiraj – Team Manager ICT & Solutions, IPKO
- Vesna Prodnik – Member of the Management Board
- András Pali – Executive Director, IPKO
- Edmond Shyti – Project Manager Cybersecurity, USAID
- Arbnor Ymeri – Cybersecurity Expert, ProCredit Bank
The discussion provided concrete perspectives on current challenges, investments in security, and the importance of building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem.
The conference was supported by leading international partners in the field of cybersecurity and telecommunications, including Telekom Slovenije, Ericsson, Bitdefender, and CyberArk, which presented innovative solutions and advanced practices for protection against digital threats.
With this edition, IPKO further strengthened its role as a key actor in promoting cybersecurity in Kosovo, contributing to increased awareness, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for the protection of digital infrastructure and sustainable economic development.
