Gunduz: New Agency to Protect Online Resources from Cyber Attacks

Osman Gunduz, Head of the Information Technology Center, praised the decision to establish a National Security Agency for special communication and information. The corresponding decree of President Ilham Aliyev to create such a structure at the Special State Protection Service (SSPS) was signed yesterday.

Commenting to Turan on the decision, Gunduz said that there used to be SSPS Department of Special Communication and Information, but now a new structure is being created with higher status and authority. 

"The new agency is responsible for the maintenance of security of information resources of all government agencies. It will conduct a monitoring audit, provide methodological and technical assistance, implement the security program, to prevent threats," said Gunduz.

As for the security of non-state entities, the work in this area will be coordinated by the Electronic Security Center, which will appear at the Ministry of Communications. According to Gunduz, the center will provide methodological, technical and information assistance to the security of information resources. The important point Gunduz emphasized was measures taken to prevent cyber-attacks abroad, and notification the local structures about possible violations.

Gunduz noted the need to take into account the importance of including academics, experts and civil society in the structure of the new body. These steps will help to strengthen the protection of government agencies, media and other institutions of Azerbaijan, he believes.—06B-