Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) in Montenegro

Summary

Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) is a five-year regional program managed by DAI for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia. CIDR’s country teams work with partner governments and local stakeholders to: 1) accelerate cybersecurity workforce development, 2) empower organizations to identify and address cybersecurity threats, 3) strengthen cybersecurity governance, and 4) facilitate the sharing of cyber threat information.

Montenegro Focus

CIDR is developing and implementing a cybersecurity e-learning platform and interactive training course with the beneficiary partner, Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration (MPA). The MPA’s responsibilities include digital transformation, e-government services, and public information. The platform initially aims to facilitate training for MPA and government staff in cybersecurity practices such as using strong passwords, updating of software, avoiding suspicious links and downloads, and backing up data.

Details

Aim

USAID, through CIDR, aims to help its partner countries to improve their cybersecurity posture so critical infrastructure entities are more resilient and can continue to provide citizens with essential services. CIDR partner countries are Albania, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Context

Countries in Eastern Europe are facing more diverse and complex cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. In response, the CIDR program is assisting partner governments and institutions to protect infrastructure such as energy, telecom, finance, and e-services from these malicious attacks.