Albanians Mull Options as Data Security Takes New Hit

Last month, Credins Bank became the latest target as the Homeland Justice hackers hit a private entity for the first time.

Authorities say they have everything under control and have banned media from reporting on the content of the leaks. But ordinary Albanians are increasingly concerned for the security of their personal data.

This month, Progni, an IT expert, decided to act, filing a case with the Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, against the National Agency for Information Society, AKSHI, the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security, ACESK, and a private firm responsible monitoring the implementation of standards by these bodies.

Progni, whose case has the backing of a forum of some 800 IT experts, said he was motivated by a desire to raise awareness and hold accountable those tasked with protecting private data.

"The biggest risks are the duplication of identity and the use of online data, the theft of the accounts that has already started, like Instagram, Facebook etc; these accounts are being stolen massively," Progni told BIRN, saying he had already received thousands of messages from other concerned individuals asking about the legal avenues open to them.

"If they [SPAK] start an investigation, it's certain that officials will be arrested," he said.

Photo: Screeenshot from Homeland Justice Telegram group.

New front

Albania and outside investigators have all pointed the finger of blame at Iran, whose embassy in Tirana has been shut down as a result of the expulsion of its diplomats and ambassador. Albania has frozen diplomatic relations with Tehran.

The attack on Credins Bank appears to have opened a new front, however,...