The Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) has launched its first Local Chapter in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative, created in partnership with the technology company Lanaco, aims to create a model for cybersecurity readiness in the region.
The new Local Chapter will bring together global best practices and local expertise to equip 60 companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina with the skills needed to defend against escalating cyber threats. The program is part of CRI’s global effort to help smaller enterprises build long-term cyber resilience.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the foundation of every economy, yet they often have the fewest resources to combat growing cyber threats,” said Lessie Skiba, Deputy Managing Director for the Cyber Readiness Institute. “Through this partnership with Lanaco we’re helping organizations turn awareness into action, creating a digital circle of community trust that benefits the entire region.”
A Growing Threat, a Timely Response
Cyberattacks on SMEs have surged globally, and organizations in critical sectors such as manufacturing, energy, banking, and retail face increasing risks, from ransomware to supply chain breaches, often without the infrastructure or expertise to respond effectively.
The new Local Chapter, with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AmCham BiH) in a supporting stakeholder role, will serve as both a training hub and a collaborative network for Bosnian enterprises, enabling them to share knowledge and adopt proven frameworks designed by some of the world’s leading cybersecurity organizations.
“For us, this partnership represents more than a project, it’s a commitment to strengthening the region’s digital resilience,” said Dragan Ninic, Vice President Business Development for Lanaco “By bringing global cybersecurity standards closer to the local business community, together we aim to empower organizations across Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect their operations, data, and customers in an increasingly complex digital environment.”
Global Expertise, Local Insight
The Local Chapter Program is part of a broader international initiative by CRI to create scalable, community-driven cybersecurity networks that adapt global standards to local realities.
“We recognize that what works in the United States or Western Europe doesn’t always translate directly to this region,” said Skiba. “The Local Chapter model ensures that our approach reflects the specific needs of businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina while maintaining alignment with global best practices.”
Lanaco serves as the partner and key enabler of the Local Chapter, ensuring that the program becomes a living part of Bosnia’s business ecosystem. Drawing on its extensive digital infrastructure expertise and long-standing relationships of trust, Lanaco bridges technology, business, and institutions to advance a more resilient digital environment.
A Model for the Region
As part of the launch, 60 coach-supported Cyber Readiness Certifications will be provided to enterprises across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Developed by CRI with input from global leaders including Microsoft, Apple, T-Mobile, and Mastercard, the certification program offers a clear, actionable framework for reducing cyber risk and embedding security into day-to-day business operations. The goal is to inspire a broader shift in how regional businesses approach cybersecurity, turning what has often been a reactive posture into a proactive, collaborative effort.
By uniting international expertise with local leadership, the Local Chapter by CRI and Lanaco in Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to create a blueprint for other countries in the region to establish a network of trusted, cyber-ready businesses that can collectively strengthen economic stability and digital confidence.
