The report notes that the Association of Cybersecurity Organisations of Azerbaijan (ACOA), which operates to support the strengthening of Azerbaijan's cybersecurity ecosystem, has taken a series of measures aligned with its objectives during the first half of 2024 (hereafter referred to as the reporting period).
During the reporting period, a total of 62 applications for membership were received by ACOA, and 20 entities were admitted as members. The total number of ACOA members has now reached 128, including 55 legal entities. Additionally, a personal electronic cabinet for members, along with an electronic catalogue of products and services, has been established on the ACOA website. The catalogue includes subcategories for different types of cybersecurity products and essential query sections, with information on 30 products and services currently available. Furthermore, a global virtual community and networking platform called "Cyber Diaspora" was created for Azerbaijani professionals working in IT and cybersecurity abroad.
Additionally, to discuss existing issues and problems in the fields of cybersecurity, information security, and information technology, facilitate information exchange, and prepare and present proposals, recommendations, and documents, the following expert committees have been established with representatives from legal entities, that are ACOA members and independent ACOA experts:
- Legal and Public Initiatives Committee
- Solutions, Technology, and Innovations Committee
- Education, Awareness, and Human Resources Committee
- Cyber Threats, Procedures, and Technical Issues Committee
In alignment with its strategic objectives and to support awareness and capacity building, ACOA organised a series of diverse events during the reporting period, including forums, conferences, seminars, webinars, competitions, and training sessions. These events attracted over 2,000 participants. Notably, ACOA hosted the "III National Cybersecurity Forum," which featured over 400 attendees from 15 countries, 30+ speakers across five panel discussions, and a technological exhibition.
Additionally, to expand collaboration in the field of cybersecurity, meetings and discussions were held with over 40 local, foreign, and international companies and organisations. To strengthen international cooperation, ACOA representatives conducted four business trips abroad. Collaboration with higher education institutions and cyber clubs established at 15 universities continued, and memorandums of understanding were signed with three universities.
In addition to other areas, ACOA has also carried out several projects and activities in research and development. As a result of efforts to enhance the country's position in global cybersecurity rankings, Azerbaijan has achieved a ranking of 17th in the "National Cybersecurity Index," with a score of 70.83. This index evaluates 53 countries across 49 indicators, and this score represents the highest achievement for Azerbaijan to date. Additionally, work continues on the project to establish the "National Cybersecurity Index" to further assess and improve the country's cybersecurity level.
Additionally, under the grant project titled "Development of Scientific and Methodological Teaching Materials for Information Security," syllabi for the Information Security specialty, as well as three printed and three online teaching materials (for three subjects), were prepared and provided to relevant higher education institutions. Training sessions were also conducted at 10 higher education institutions.
For a detailed overview of the activities carried out by ACOA during the first half of 2024, please visit (AKTA - Hesabat - 2024 I yarımillik) .
