The Importance of Cybersecurity for Bosnia and Herzegovina Policy Recommendations to Support BiH’s Cyber Capabilities and International Aspirations
The Importance of Cybersecurity for Bosnia and Herzegovina Policy Recommendations to Support BiH’s Cyber Capabilities and International Aspirations

Author(s): Nicolò Miotto
Subject(s): Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Centar za Sigurnosne Studije
Keywords: Bosnia and Herzegovina; cybersecurity; cybercrime; cyber awareness; European Union; NATO;
Summary/Abstract: Cybersecurity is a fundamental domain for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as it impacts the country‘s national security, its economic growth and its international commitments and goals. Despite the importance of cyberspace for the country, BiH lacks a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, having instead a jeopardised approach which hinders its cybersecurity efforts. The country‘s cybersecurity capabilities are underdeveloped, exposing governmental bodies, private companies and citizens to potential cyber threats and risks. Limited cybersecurity capabilities can undermine BiH‘s efforts to access the EU and NATO as these international organisations require states to respect and adopt specific cybersecurity standards and legislation. Hence, BiH needs to improve its cybersecurity architecture to achieve its international goals. In addition, the country must enhance its cybersecurity to accomplish international obligations deriving from the country‘s membership of international organisations and its ratification of the Budapest Convention. Although the country presents embryonic cybersecurity capabilities, BiH public institutions are improving their cybersecurity awareness by providing public employees with workshops, seminars, and training courses on cybersecurity. As of this, international and domestic cooperation represents a pivotal opportunity for BiH to build and enhance its cyber capabilities; intergovernmental organisations, research centres and partner counties are providing BiH public institutions with funds and training opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

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