LEGAL BASIS FOR ADOPTING THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME Pursuant to Article 26a, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Law on Electronic Communications (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No: 39/2014, 188/2014, 44/2015 and 193/2015), the Director of the Agency for Electronic Communications in cooperation with the Minister competent in the field of electronic communications hereby adopts the Annual Programme for the operation of the National Centre for Computer Incident Response established as a separate organisational unit within the Agency for Electronic Communications and submits it for adoption to the Government of Republic of Macedonia. Accordingly, the Agency for Electronic Communications has received a positive opinion from the Ministry of Information Society and Administration. INTRODUCTION While the rapid technological development provides for huge new opportunities and potential sources of efficiency for the organisations of all sizes, these new technologies also bring unprecedented threats. Cybersecurity is a critical issue for all businesses and with the proliferation of new devices connected to the Internet its importance accordingly increases. Reliable and secure cyberspace, that is to say, reliable and secure information systems and networks from cyber attacks and incidents provide political and social inclusion; reducing barriers between countries, communities and citizens; facilitating interaction and exchange of ideas and information; ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the media; exercising the fundamental rights, and ensuring that citizens develop a more democratic society. Studies have shown that a large number of citizens (EU currently represents one-third of the population) do not have confidence in the use of Internet services for electronic commerce and banking due to their concern of data security, i.e. the possibility of abuse thereof. The cyberspace is not fully regulated, thus allowing cybercrime to be simple and inexpensive. Crime-motivated computer/cyber attacks on the information systems and networks are becoming ever-growing global threat. As per the amendments to the Law on Electronic Communications (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 188/2014), and pursuant to Article 26a, separate organisational unit - National Centre for Computer Incident Response has been set up within the Agency for Electronic Communications, which will be the official national point of contact and coordination in dealing with security incidents on networks and information systems, and will identify and respond to security incidents and risks. 5