Azerbaijan taking decisive steps in cybersecurity, keeping pace with global trends — OPINION

The security of states' data centers must be maintained. In this regard, Azerbaijan is taking decisive steps, keeping pace with global trends and challenges.

Member of the Milli Majlis Azer Badamov said this in a statement to Report.

According to him, artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of life, including cybersecurity, and is doing so at a very rapid pace.

"The threat landscape is also becoming increasingly complex. As the process becomes more complicated, we see that traditional cybersecurity measures are no longer sufficient. In this area, game-changing methods and approaches that go beyond traditional thinking should be used to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and reduce the risks posed by cyberattacks. The impact of artificial intelligence on the future of cybersecurity must be studied comprehensively. This will not only help track the path of technological innovation, but also deepen understanding of the dynamics between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, reveal promising opportunities and create conditions for overcoming possible challenges," he said.

The MP noted that hostile actors may use artificial intelligence systems.

"This leads to the development of enemy attacks and techniques for evading defenses. Ensuring the resilience and reliability of AI-based cybersecurity solutions is extremely important in terms of maintaining their effectiveness. Against the backdrop of bias, security vulnerabilities, breaches of ethical frameworks and unethical approaches, it is important to apply ethical and lawful steps and solutions," he said.

According to him, the field of cybersecurity is now at a critical stage, as the rapid pace of digital transformation brings both unprecedented opportunities and growing risks.

"President Ilham Aliyev assessed this situation in a timely and far-sighted manner. At a meeting chaired by President Ilham Aliyev in February this year, we witnessed the adoption of important decisions that define the country's digital future. Azerbaijan is known as a safe country. We are showing determination to preserve this reputation on digital platforms as well," the MP said.

Badamov said the main priorities include identifying priorities in digitalization, e-government, artificial intelligence and innovation, unlocking national technological potential, and strengthening digital sovereignty.

"It was on this basis that the Digital Development Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established. The creation of the Council laid the foundation for implementing state policy in a unified and coordinated manner. Coordination between state institutions is being strengthened, and the transition to an innovation-based economic model is being accelerated. The Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2028, approved by the order of the President of Azerbaijan dated February 27, 2026, defines comprehensive measures and strategic targets that will ensure the country's technological development over the next three years," he said.

In the MP's view, all these issues are aimed at improving the living standards of the Azerbaijani people.

"Azerbaijan's position must be strengthened, and the share of the digital sector of the economy in GDP must be increased. To ensure continuity in this direction, the first meeting of the Digital Development Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held on June 29, 2026. The meeting was chaired by First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva," he said.

The MP said a number of important and fundamental issues were discussed at the meeting.

"Council Chair Mehriban Aliyeva said that the implementation of the Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2028 is one of the Council's main areas of activity. Emphasizing the strategic importance of artificial intelligence, Mehriban Aliyeva also noted that all decisions adopted are in line with the national interests of the Azerbaijani people," Badamov said.