THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND CYBERCRIME IN COUNTRIES IN TRANSITION - THE CASE OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract Introduction - In the context of globalization and technological advancement, national security has become increasingly intertwined with cybersecurity. For countries in transition, such as North Macedonia, the challenges are multifaceted. This abstract delves into the threats to national security posed by cybercrime in North Macedonia, highlighting the complexities faced by transitional nations. Aim - The primary aim of this study is to explore and analyze the specific threats to national security arising from cybercrime in North Macedonia. Additionally, it seeks to understand the broader implications for other countries in transition. Methodology - We have applied a multidimensional approach with a mixed research methodology, using the literature review of the relevant field, qualitative, analytical and comparative methods applied in security science research. 200 respondents were interviewed using the questionnaire as an instrument for conducting the research. Results - Cyberspace today is one of the major legal challenges that has sparked another form of crime by creating an environment for new crime methods. Cyberspace today is one of the major legal challenges that has sparked another form of crime by creating an environment for new crime methods. Results of this paper consist on identification of key threats: The study identified several key cyber threats to national security in North Macedonia, including: Cyber espionage targeting government and private sector entities. Conclusions - Looking at this prism we can conclude that all state institutions should increase interstate cooperation where they are carriers of the activities that is defined by the strategy therefore, all institutions should reflect an interstate and inter-institutional readiness to have a coordination between those security institutions because it is finally understood by cooperating and coordinating all the institutions can succeed successfully of cyber-attacks that can happen at any moment and attack different institutions or different states.