The Department of Business Administration at EPOKA UNIVERSITY recently held a guest lecture on Cybersecurity and Financial Awareness, as part of the Ethics and Social Issues in Information Systems course led by Dr. Vilma Çekani. The session addressed the growing dangers of online fraud and the critical role of cybersecurity in financial transactions.

Guest speaker Fatjon Muça, Head of the Information Security Department at Fibank Albania and member of the Cyber Security Committee at AAB, provided expert insights into modern cyber threats, fraud prevention, and secure banking practices. He introduced the Defense in Depth strategy, a multi-layered security approach, and traced the evolution of cyber threats to help students understand how hacking techniques have developed over time.

One of the most striking revelations was that Albania experiences a cyberattack every 22 seconds. Muça outlined various types of cyber risks, including phishing, social engineering, zero-day attacks, and malware, illustrating real-world scams—such as deceptive emails and fraudulent SMS messages impersonating Albanian Post to trick recipients into revealing personal data.

The speaker demonstrated a virus simulation to give students a more tangible understanding of cyber threats, showcasing how malware can infiltrate systems and cause significant damage. This eye-opening demonstration underscored the importance of proactive security measures in an increasingly digital world.

A key takeaway was the responsibility to raise awareness, particularly among parents and the elderly, who are often more susceptible to online fraud. The discussion also covered data protection strategies, the impact of global cyber warfare, and the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals—a field offering high demand and competitive salaries.

The interactive session sparked engaged discussions, with students posing insightful questions about digital banking security and cyber defense strategies. By equipping students with practical knowledge, the lecture empowered them to navigate the digital landscape more securely and responsibly.

Stay vigilant, stay safe online!