Baku hosts region’s largest cybersecurity event – CIDC-2025

The Critical Infrastructure Defence Challenge 2025 (CIDC-2025), the largest cybersecurity event in the region, has officially kicked off at the Baku Convention Centre.

Organised by the State Service of Special Communication and Information Security in cooperation with the State Security Service (SSS), the event brings together leading experts, government officials, and industry professionals to discuss global best practices in cybersecurity and digital resilience, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to organisers, CIDC-2025 has attracted a total of 2,245 visitors, 934 training participants, 51 teams, and 56 partner organisations. The event aims to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors while strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure against growing cyber threats.

The conference focuses on sharing advanced international expertise in critical infrastructure defence, information security, and the use of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. It also seeks to improve the knowledge, skills, and experience of professionals working in government institutions, financial systems, telecommunications, and other key sectors.

Over the course of two days, participants will take part in the “Cyberwarfare in Smart Cities” competition; attend 10 presentations and 5 panel discussions by local and foreign cybersecurity experts; join 6 free training sessions within the “Hack The Future 2” programme of Azerbaijan’s first Cyber School; and explore the Cybersecurity Solutions Exhibition, which showcases the latest technologies and trends in cybersecurity.

At the cybersecurity exhibition, 41 local and foreign companies will present cutting-edge technologies in information security, risk management, and network protection. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in interactive competitions and quiz sessions displayed on digital screens throughout the exhibition area.

Panel discussions will cover topics such as:

• “A New Playground for Cybercriminals: Smart Cities”

• “International Experience in Protecting Smart Infrastructures”

• “The Dark Side of Technology: Cyberattacks and Social Engineering Countermeasures through Next-Generation SOC Systems”

• “Critical Infrastructure Under Threat: A Call to Update Security Strategies”

• “The City That Knows You: Biometric Surveillance, Data Collection, Human Rights, and Protection Methods — Which Matters Most?”

The main part of the festival — the virtual cyberwarfare competition — is held this year under the concept of “Cyberwarfare in Smart Cities.” The title is no coincidence: in the near future, smart cities will form the backbone of nations’ digital infrastructures. From energy management systems to transport networks, from healthcare to education — everything is becoming digitalised.

The “Smart City” concept brings numerous advantages: transportation, energy supply, communication systems, water provision, and public services become more efficient, flexible, and user-friendly. However, each of these systems is also a potential target in cyberspace.

The “Cyberwarfare in Smart Cities” competition simulates virtual defence and attack scenarios, analyses risks to critical information infrastructures, tests participants’ prevention skills, and assesses crisis management capabilities. Participants will demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills through real-life attack and defence simulations.

This year’s competition involves 20 local teams representing government agencies, critical infrastructure, and the banking and telecommunications sectors, as well as 5 foreign teams — from the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The winning teams will share a prize fund of 30,000 manats.

“CIDC 2025” plays an important role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s regional leadership in cybersecurity, developing the skills of young professionals, and deepening public–private cooperation. The connections established and new technological solutions presented during the festival will give a strong boost to the development of Azerbaijan’s digital security ecosystem.

By Vugar Khalilov