Electronic Security Service: Azerbaijan’s Cybersecurity Strategy hits major milestones

Deputy Head of the Azerbaijan Electronic Security Service Elvin Shahverdiyev has announced that the country’s Information and Cybersecurity Strategy for 2023-2027 continues progressing successfully, with significant advancements in strengthening the country's digital infrastructure and resilience against cyber threats.

During the Youth Cybersecurity Forum in Baku, Shahverdiyev highlighted the ongoing efforts in collaboration with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity measures, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Shahverdiyev stressed that cybersecurity is of strategic importance, not just for technological development, but also for ensuring economic and social stability. He emphasised that youth, as future technological leaders, have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of cybersecurity. He pointed out that education in cybersecurity is essential, especially as cyber threats continue to evolve.

One of the major threats identified was the global economic impact of ransomware attacks, which have caused losses of over $30 billion worldwide between 2022 and 2024. Shahverdiyev warned that the rapid development of artificial intelligence also poses new risks, particularly with deepfake content, which requires both technical and strategic solutions. 

He concluded by noting that security has become a broader societal issue, not just a technological challenge. "Security is becoming a matter of the overall resilience of society," Shahverdiyev said, "and preparing the youth in this area is key to the long-term sustainability of the state."

On April 23, Baku hosted the Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025, a significant event aimed at enhancing digital literacy and promoting cybersecurity awareness among the youth. 

The forum was organised with the support of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Centre, and the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organisations' Union.

The forum featured a series of panel discussions led by experts in the field of cybersecurity. The sessions covered critical topics such as "Artificial Intelligence and the Human Factor: New Changes and Risks in Cybersecurity" and "Cybersecurity: Innovative Approaches to Programming and Data Protection." 

The overarching goal of the forum was to increase digital literacy among young people, instill a culture of cybersecurity, and introduce the latest technological advancements in the field. Additionally, the event aimed to contribute to the strengthening of Azerbaijan's national cybersecurity infrastructure, enhancing knowledge and skills related to cyber defence, and fostering a resilient national cybersecurity ecosystem.

By Naila Huseynova