Albania faces heightened cyber threats from Iran and Russia, US report says

A U.S. Department of State report (DASH) identifies Albania as a serious target of state‑linked cyber attacks, naming Iran and Russia as the primary sources. The report cites recent Iranian intrusions into Albanian government websites and systems, as well as ransomware campaigns by criminal groups, and notes a medium‑level terrorism threat after a foiled Iranian‑backed plot in 2018.

Albanian analyst Albatros Rexhaj warned that hostile foreign forces seek to destabilise the country, arguing that Albania’s development and closer ties with the United States threaten the interests of Tehran and Moscow. He also criticised the actions of Agron Shehajt, who allegedly removed a classified document on U.S.–Albania cooperation, saying the incident harms the nation’s image.

The United States continues to cooperate with Albanian authorities to improve cyber‑defence capabilities, combat organized crime and reduce corruption.