GENERAL CYBER SECURITY INDICATORS

• 1. Cyber security policy development 4/7 57%
  4

  7 57%
  • 1.1. Cyber security policy unit 0
    0

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    A central government entity (ministry or equivalent) has a specialised official or unit responsible for national cyber security policy development.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 1.2. Cyber security policy coordination format 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The central government has a committee, council, working group, etc. for national-level cyber security policy coordination.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    http://e-qanun.gov.az/framework/38481

    Coordination Commission for Information Security

    ---

    https://mincom.gov.az/en/view/organization/17/

    Electronic Security Service (ESS) 

    ×
  • 1.3. Cyber security strategy 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The central government has established a national-level cyber security strategy or other equivalent document.

    Accepted references

    Valid official document

    Evidence

    https://president.az/az/articles/view/60948

    Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the approval of the "Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Information security and Cybersecurity for 2023-2027"

    ---

    https://static.president.az/upload/Files/2023/08/28/321633af3a29da7a850dc20b3a6fb578_9640893.pdf

    "Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Information security and Cybersecurity for 2023-2027"

    ×
  • 1.4. Cyber security strategy implementation plan 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The central government has established an implementation plan to the national-level cyber security strategy or other equivalent document.

    Accepted references

    Valid official document or its enforcement act

    Evidence

    https://static.president.az/upload/Files/2023/08/28/321633af3a29da7a850dc20b3a6fb578_9640893.pdf

    Implementation Plan to the "Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Information security and Cybersecurity for 2023-2027"

    ×
• 2. Cyber threat analysis and information 4/5 80%
  4

  5 80%
  • 2.1. Cyber threats analysis unit 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    A central government entity has a national-level unit that is specialised in national strategic cyber threat situation analysis.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/25375

    Specifically, the Electronic Security Service (ESS) , according to articles 3.1.19. and 3.1.20-x 

    ×
  • 2.2. Public cyber threat reports are published annually 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The public part of the national cyber threat situation analysis is published at least once a year.

    Accepted references

    Official public report

    Evidence

    ×
  • 2.3. Cyber safety and security website 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Public authorities provide at least one cyber safety and security website for cyber security and ICT professionals, and regular users.

    Accepted references

    Website

    Evidence

    http://www.cert.az

    ---

    http://www.cert.gov.az

    ×
• 3. Education and professional development 8/9 89%
  8

  9 89%
  • 3.1. Cyber safety competencies in primary or secondary education 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Primary or secondary education curricula include cyber safety / computer safety competences.

    Accepted references

    Official curriculum or official report

    Evidence

    ×
  • 3.2. Bachelor’s level cyber security programme 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is at least one cyber security / electronic information security focused programme at Bachelor’s or equivalent level.

    Accepted references

    Accredited study programme

    Evidence

    http://www.bhos.edu.az/en/page/721-information-security

    ×
  • 3.3. Master’s level cyber security programme 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is at least one cyber security / electronic information security focused programme at Master’s or equivalent level.

    Accepted references

    Accredited study programme

    Evidence

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/22475

    The code and the name of the specialty (program) in Master: XTM060006 - Information Security

    ---

    https://ict.az/en/news/4562/

    Evidence of ongoing Master Degrees in Information Security

    ×
  • 3.4. PhD level cyber security programme 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is at least one cyber security / electronic information security focused programme at PhD or equivalent level.

    Accepted references

    Accredited study programme

    Evidence

    http://ict.az/en/content/13

    Institute of Information Technologies of ANAS prepares scientific staff by doctorate in the following specialties.
    "Information Security Techniques and Systems, Information Security"

    ---

    http://ict.az/az/content/283

    ×
  • 3.5. Cyber security professional association 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is a professional association of cyber/electronic information security specialists, managers or auditors.

    Accepted references

    Website

    Evidence

    https://akta.az/

    Founded in 2022, Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association is a professional association of cybersecurity companies, specialists and managers in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
    Main objectives of the Association are: 
    - strengthening the cyber security ecosystem in the country
    - supporting the development of the relevant field
    - supporting the coordination of the implemented measures in the field of cybersecurity.

    ×
• 4. Contribution to global cyber security 2/6 33%
  2

  6 33%
  • 4.1. Convention on Cybercrime 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The country has ratified the Convention on Cybercrime.

    Accepted references

    Official website of the convention

    Evidence

    https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/185/signatures?p_auth=zrS8ISMY

    ---

    http://e-qanun.az/framework/18619

    ×
  • 4.2. Representation in international cooperation formats 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government is regularly represented in a cooperation format that is dedicated to international cyber security (e.g. FIRST).

    Accepted references

    Official website of the cooperation format

    Evidence

    https://www.first.org/members/teams/

    ---

    https://www.oic-cert.org/en/allmembers.html#.Wi6CcyOB29Z

    ×
  • 4.3. International cyber security organisation hosted by the country 0
    0

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    A regional or international cyber security organisation is hosted by the country.

    Accepted references

    Organisation’s official website

    Evidence

    ×
  • 4.4. Cyber security capacity building for other countries 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The country has (co-)financed or (co-)organised at least one capacity building project for another country in the last 3 years.

    Accepted references

    Official website or project document

    Evidence

    ×

BASELINE CYBER SECURITY INDICATORS

• 5. Protection of digital services 1/5 20%
  1

  5 20%
  • 5.1. Cyber security responsibility for digital service providers 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    According to legislation, digital service providers (except micro and small enterprises): (1) must manage cyber/ICT risks or (2) must implement established cyber/information security requirements.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 5.2. Cyber security standard for the public sector 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Public sector digital service providers must implement (1) cyber/ICT security requirements (defined by legislation) or (2) a widely recognised security standard.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/3525

    The scope of critical information infrastructure extends to include public sector digital service providers as well.
    According to 20-5.2, the entity responsible for critical information infrastructure is obligated to ensure the security of the infrastructure in accordance with both general and special security requirements that apply to the infrastructure. It is important to note that the Law includes new definitions relevant to these provisions, as detailed in Article 2.
    
    Article 20-4.1 states that the general requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure are determined by the designated body or institution as specified by the relevant executive authority.

    20-4.2 indicates that the subject of critical information infrastructure is responsible for determining the special requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure based on the purpose and operational characteristics of the infrastructure. These requirements are then registered in the list of critical information infrastructure objects.

    ---

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/46302

    The primary objective of the Rules issued by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 17.11.2020, titled "On the amendment of the Decision dated 04.11.2016 for the Evaluation of electronic services, information resources, and systems in State institutions," is to ensure the provision of electronic services, information resources, and systems in full compliance with the applicable normative legal acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These Rules also emphasize the importance of monitoring the implementation of approved projects, technical regulations, and requirements to guarantee their adherence to legal norms.
    
    According to these Rules, digital service providers are required to implement security measures, including network and primary security measures. These measures encompass various aspects such as physical security, the influence of equipment installation on virtual security, security equipment with features to repel DDOS attacks, malware, and other threats, continuous operation between security equipment (failover), DNS and DHCP security, internal network security, prevention of information leakage both internally and externally, and ensuring the security of communication lines with other institutions.

    To meet the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria for organizing and providing electronic services, detailed in Appendices No. 1 and No. 2 of the "Rules for Evaluating Electronic Services, Information Resources and Systems in State Institutions," digital service providers must effectively manage cyber/ICT risks and adhere to established cyber/information security requirements.

    ×
  • 5.3. Competent supervisory authority 0
    0

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has a competent authority in the field of cyber/information security that has the power to supervise public and private digital service providers regarding the implementation of cyber/information security requirements.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    ×
• 6. Protection of essential services 6/6 100%
  6

  6 100%
  • 6.1. Operators of essential services are identified 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is a legal act that allows to identify operators of essential services.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/3525

    The subjects of critical information infrastructure  also includes operators of essential services.
    
    See, the new chapter (Chapter V-I. Security of critical information infrastructure) added to the law on May 27, 2022.

    According to the Law critical information infrastructure is defined as a set of information systems, automated management systems and information-communication networks that provide activity in the field of public administration, defense, health care, financial markets, energy, transport, information technology, telecommunications, water supply or ecology, and whose functionality can cause significant damage to the interests of the state, society and citizens.
    
    According to the Article 20-1.1, the security of the critical information infrastructure is ensured by determining the requirements for the security of that infrastructure (which is further elaborated by Article 20-4), assessing compliance with these requirements and eliminating identified inconsistencies, applying the information security management system corresponding to those requirements, as well as monitoring the state of ensuring the security of the critical information infrastructure.
    
    20-5.2. The subject of critical information infrastructure ensures the security of the critical information infrastructure belonging to it in accordance with the general and special requirements for the security of the infrastructure.
    Note, there are also new relevant definitions added to the Law (See, Article 2).

    ×
  • 6.2. Cyber security requirements for operators of essential services 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    According to the legislation, operators of essential services must manage cyber/ICT risks.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/3525

    See, the new chapter (Chapter V-I. Security of critical information infrastructure) added to the law on May 27, 2022.

    According to the Article 20-5.2. The subject of critical information infrastructure must ensure the security of the critical information infrastructure belonging to it in accordance with the general and special requirements for the security of the infrastructure.
    
    Also, see

    20-4.1. General requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure are determined by the body (institution) determined by the relevant executive authority.

    20-4.2. Special requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure are determined by the subject of critical information infrastructure in accordance with the purpose of critical information infrastructure and its operational characteristics and are placed in the register of critical information infrastructure objects.

    ×
  • 6.3. Competent supervisory authority 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has a competent authority in the field of cyber/information security that has the power to supervise operators of essential services, regarding cyber/information security requirements.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/47253

    The State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan performs the functions of the competent authority in the field of ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and the fight against cyber threats. 
    
    In relation to state bodies, public legal entities created on behalf of the state, legal entities owned by the state, the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan performs those functions jointly with the State Service of Special Communication and Information Security of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

    ×
  • 6.4. Regular monitoring of security measures 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Operators of essential services must regularly (at least once every 3 years) provide evidence of the effective implementation of cyber/information security policies (e.g. audit result, documentation, specific report).

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/3525

    20-6.8. In order to ensure compliance with the requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure, as well as to organize the operation of the information security management system in accordance with the requirements, the subjects of the critical information infrastructure must conduct external audits by the cyber security service provider no less than once a year, and its results must be submitted to the [superviosory authority].

    ×
• 7. E-identification and trust services 7/9 78%
  7

  9 78%
  • 7.1. Unique persistent identifier 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government provides a unique persistent identifier to all citizens, residents, and legal entities. For example, the identifier remains the same after document expiration and name change.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/21469

    Rules of entering and use of personal identification number in information systems of personal data, of 2011

    ---

    http://www.e-qanun.az/alpidata/framework/data/26/f_26612.htm

    Administrative Regulation on Issuance of Personal Identification Number to Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as Foreigners and Stateless Persons Residing Permanently in the Republic of Azerbaijan

    ---

    https://www.e-gov.az/az/news/read/422

    The FIN is the national identification number. 

    ×
  • 7.2. Requirements for cryptosystems 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Requirements for cryptosystems in the field of trust services are regulated.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 7.3. Electronic identification 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Electronic identification is regulated.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/9009

    'About identification card of the citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan', Article 3

    ×
  • 7.4. Electronic signature 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    E-signature is regulated

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://e-qanun.az/framework/5916

    'About electronic signature and electronic document' 

    ---

    http://www.e-imza.az/en

    ×
  • 7.5. Timestamping 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Timestamping is regulated.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://e-qanun.az/framework/5916

    'About electronic signature and electronic document' 

    ×
  • 7.6. Electronic registered delivery service 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Electronic registered delivery service between state entities, citizens and private sector entities is regulated. The service provides legally binding data exchange and guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of information.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 7.7. Competent supervisory authority 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is an authority responsible for the supervision of qualified trust service providers.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    http://e-qanun.az/framework/5916

    'About electronic signature and electronic document', Article 33

    ×
• 8. Protection of personal data 1/4 25%
  1

  4 25%
  • 8.1. Personal data protection legislation 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is a legal act for personal data protection.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/19675

    'About personal data'

    ×
  • 8.2. Personal data protection authority 0
    0

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is an independent public supervisory authority that is responsible for personal data protection.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    ×

INCIDENT AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT INDICATORS

• 9. Cyber incidents response 3/6 50%
  3

  6 50%
  • 9.1. Cyber incidents response unit 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has a unit (CSIRT, CERT, CIRT, etc.) that is specialised in national-level cyber incident detection and response.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.cert.az

    ---

    http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/25375

    ×
  • 9.2. Reporting responsibility 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Digital service providers and operators of essential services have an obligation to notify appointed government authorities of cyber security incidents.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 9.3. Single point of contact for international coordination 0
    0

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has designated a single point of contact for international cyber security coordination.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    ×
• 10. Cyber crisis management 1/5 20%
  1

  5 20%
  • 10.1. Cyber crisis management plan 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has established a crisis management plan for large-scale cyber incidents.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
  • 10.2. National-level cyber crisis management exercise 0
    0

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has conducted a national-level cyber crisis management exercise or a crisis management exercise with a cyber component in the last 3 years.

    Accepted references

    Exercise document/website or press release

    Evidence

    ×
  • 10.3. Participation in international cyber crisis exercises 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The country's team has participated in an international cyber crisis management exercise in the last 3 years.

    Accepted references

    Exercise document/website or press release

    Evidence

    https://www.incibe-cert.es/en/international-cyberex-previous-editions

    Cyberex 2018

    ×
  • 10.4. Operational support of volunteers in cyber crises 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The procedures for using volunteers in the field of cyber security are established by legislation.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    ×
• 11. Fight against cybercrime 9/9 100%
  9

  9 100%
  • 11.1. Cybercrimes are criminalised 1
    1

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Cybercrimes are defined by legislation.

    Accepted references

    Legal act

    Evidence

    http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/az/az017en.pdf

    Article 271. Unauthorized access to computer information Article 272. Production, use and spread of detrimental electronic computer programs Article 273. Violation of electronic computer, system or network operating rules

    ×
  • 11.2. Cybercrime unit 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is a government entity with a specific function of combatting cybercrime.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    https://www.coe.int/en/web/cybercrime/-ministry-of-state-security-az

    The State Security Service has a Department of Combating Crimes in Communications and IT, within the General Directorate of Combating Organised Transnational Crimes. It has the power to investigate computer-related crimes, including hacking attacks against computers and vital state infrastructure, illegal interception and interference with data, computer-related fraud, crimes on the Internet, child abuse, and racism. Its activities mainly aim at fighting child pornography, signs of terrorism in the Internet, embezzlement and fraud related to the use of information technology and the Internet.
    For more info,see: https://www.dtx.gov.az/en/activity.html  

    ---

    https://www.coe.int/fr/web/cybercrime/ministry-of-internal-affairs-az

    The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the central executive agency responsible for public security, and the prevention and exposure of criminal offences in the Republic of Azerbaijan, within the framework of authorities provided by the national legislation.

    Being the main police entity in the country, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also investigates cybercrime cases that are reported to the police units across the country. To support this capacity, there has been a reform process since 2016, to establish a dedicated unit to fight cybercrime within the police, under the Ministry of Interior. Currently, there is a department (under the Main Organized Crime Department) designated for the task, also providing support and advice to other units of the police that handle cybercrime and electronic evidence.
    For updates, see:  https://mia.gov.az/en/menu/30035/  

    ×
  • 11.3. Digital forensics unit 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    There is a government entity with a specific function of digital forensics.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    https://e-qanun.az/framework/24943

    Forensics of computer equipment and software tools in the Republic of Azerbaijan has been conducted since 2003. Computer-technical expertise (digital forensics), which is a new field of forensic technical expertise, is held at the Forensic Expertise Center of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 
    The specialty of the study of computer-technical objects of the type of forensic computer-technical expertise is defined in the "List of types of forensic examination and expert qualifications to which the forensic expert qualification is awarded in the center of forensic expertise" (see, the appendix No. 1 to the "Regulation on granting the qualification of a forensic expert in the center of forensic expertise".)
    
    In addition, both the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have their units dealing with initial digital forensics. For more information see:

    • CoE, Ministry of State Security 
    • CoE, Ministry of Internal Affaris 
    • State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
    • The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan 

    ×
  • 11.4. 24/7 contact point for international cybercrime 2
    2

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The government has designated an international 24/7 contact point for cybercrimes.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    http://e-qanun.az/framework/18619

    According to this Statement of the Republic of Azerbaijan  on the paragraph 35.1 of the Convention on Cybercrime, State Security Service  ( previous name described on law as Minisitry of National Security) is a 24/7 contact point. 

    ×
• 12. Military cyber operations 3/6 50%
  3

  6 50%
  • 12.1. Cyber operations unit 3
    3

    3

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Military forces have a unit (cyber command, etc.) that is specialised in planning and conducting cyber operations.

    Accepted references

    Official website or legal act

    Evidence

    https://mod.gov.az/az/news/kiber-tehlukesizlik-emeliyyatlari-merkezi-istifadeye-verilib-video-40577.html

    The Ministry of Defence's Cybersecurity Operations Center has been commissioned since 2022.
    
    The Center ensures cybersecurity by continuous monitoring and control of the information and communication technologies environment of the Azerbaijani Army. 
     

    ---

    https://news.az/index.php/news/azerbaijan-mods-cybersecurity-operations-center-has-been-commissioned-video  

    ×
  • 12.2. Cyber operations exercise 0
    0

    2

    Requirements

    Criteria

    Military forces have conducted a cyber operations exercise or an exercise with a cyber operations component in the country in the last 3 years.

    Accepted references

    Exercise document/website or press release

    Evidence

    ×
  • 12.3. Participation in international cyber exercises 0
    0

    1

    Requirements

    Criteria

    The country's military team has participated in an international cyber operations exercise in the last 3 years.

    Accepted references

    Exercise document/website or press release

    Evidence

    ×