Azerbaijan concerned over cybersecurity
By Nigar Abbasova
Cybersecurity which stands for information technology security and focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction is becoming more and more relevant in Azerbaijan.
With the growing volume and sophistication of cyber attacks, ongoing attention is required to protect sensitive business and personal information, as well as safeguard national security.
Member of Milli Mejlis [Azerbaijan parliament] Tair Mirkishili, talking to reporters mentioned that the country should tighten cybersecurity measures alongside with the implementation of strategically important projects.
He underlined that energy sector as well as energy infrastructure is one of the main targets of criminals. The issue raises concern as Azerbaijan is currently engaged in the realization of different large-scale projects in the sphere.
“Azerbaijan which is headed for building sustainable economy will undoubtedly become a target for criminals. The provision of cybersecurity of all important spheres of economy is of great importance, the country should take certain measures to suppress cyber-espionage. The country has already taken several steps for providing security in the sphere but the strategic importance of the projects triggers the provision of highest level of security,” he said.
Mirkishili noted that the use of information technologies in the management is inevitable taking into consideration the provision of efficiency and operability. The tendency is currently observed in all spheres including production and provision of services.
MP stated that the main objective is application of IT technologies for providing network security as unauthorized access may disrupt activity of information network.
“Cyberattack is one of the means of confrontation between the countries. States implement large-scale cyberattacks in order to get an access to security data and examination of the situation. The aim of cyberattacks is to create chaos. The activities on preventing cyberattacts are taken in the majority of European countries. Cyberattacks are becoming special-purposed and directed with the aim of bringing the activities of state departments, banking industry, transport and aviation to a stop, the parliamentarian said.
In accordance with the information provided by the Computer Emergency Readiness Team under the state agency on the information security, the number of inquires connected with the computer security in May 2016 amounted to 171. The quantity of inquiries has decreased by 31.3 percent as against the rate shown in April. As much as 90.6 percent of the total number of inquiries made to CERT in May have been considered and solved. CERT has already submitted 12 reports on the audit conducted in the sphere of information technologies.
As many as 15 domains and 22 sub-domains which are usually used by enterprises with the view of creating unique website names for their subdivisions have been registered in the internet segment of the country.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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