Toward Effective National Cyber Security Strategy: The Path Forward For Macedonia

Cyberspace has become the dominant place for social, economic and political activities in the region of South East Europe (SEE). However like in the rest of the World the growing dependence of the cyberspace in the SEE in general and in Macedonia in specific has not been matched by a parallel focus on security. This article explains why Macedonian government needs to consider concrete strategic guidance for cyber security. The main argument of the article is that future cyber security strategy must have a comprehensive approach addressing cyber crime; cyber defense; intelligence and counterintelligence, critical information infrastructure protection and crisis management; and cyber diplomacy and cyber governance. Given that most of the SEE countries share the same history and political, social and security dynamics with small adjustments the findings and recommendation could be applicable to the rest of the SEE countries.