The Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski, today addressed the business conference on cybersecurity organized by Makedonski Telekom, dedicated to the new regulation on the security of network and information systems and the challenges in protecting the digital infrastructure.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a technical issue, but as a key factor for the resilience of the state and the functionality of the economy.
“In an era of complete digitalization of services, communication and economic processes, every cyber incident has the potential to be transmitted throughout the entire system. Therefore, resilience becomes the basis of digital transformation,” emphasized Andonovski.
The Minister reflected to the significance of the new Law on Security of Network and Information Systems, which is aligned with the European NIS2 Directive, highlighting that its essence lies in establishing a system where fragmented approach previously existed.
“With the law, for the first time, we are setting clear lines of responsibility, defining cyber risk management and establishing a framework for coordinated action in both the private and public sectors. We are not doing this just for the sake of compliance with European regulations, but as a fundamental institutional reform,” stressed Andonovski.
He pointed out that one of the key changes brought by the law is the transition from a reactive to a proactive approach in cybersecurity, whereby organizations are obliged to institute risk management and business continuity systems.
Special emphasis was placed on the role of the private sector, which, as highlighted, is an essential part of national cyber resilience.
"The largest part of the critical digital infrastructure is located in the private sector. Therefore, the law does not treat it as an object of control, but rather as a partner in the security system. These obligations are not an administrative burden, but a mechanism for protecting the very functioning of companies," noted the minister.
Andonovski stressed that a serious cyber incident today could lead operational disruption, financial losses and a breach of trust, which is why security should be seen as a prerequisite for sustainability and development.
Regarding implementation, the Minister announced that the Ministry of Digital Transformation is actively working to strengthen national capacities, including the establishment of a Government Cyber Incident Response Centre (GOV-CSIRT), which will begin operating in the coming period, as well as improving monitoring systems and interoperability between institutions.
"The law itself is not enough. Its value will be measured through implementation, through coordination and through the system's ability to function in real conditions," emphasized Andonovski.
He added that cybersecurity also brings new opportunities for investment, innovation and development of the domestic IT industry, especially in the area of advanced security services and solutions.
Finally, the Minister said that cybersecurity should be seen as an integral part of economic and institutional development.
"Without stable and secure digital systems, there can be no trust, and without trust, there can be no investment and economic growth. Therefore, this reform is equally a matter of security, economy, and institution," said Andonovski.
The conference featured representatives from institutions, the private sector, and international experts, who discussed the latest trends, threats, and solutions in the field of cyber security.
