Central Asia's Cybersecurity Leadership Claimed by Kazakhstan, According to Recent Research Study
In a significant development for the region, a new study has provided a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity capabilities and challenges across Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study, prepared by the e-Governance Academy (eGA) and supported by the European Union, was published on July 8 [1]. The study was led by Merle Maigre, and Expertise France also lent its expertise to the project.
The report offers specific findings and recommendations for each Central Asian country to build resilient, inclusive, and secure digital futures. Across the region, shared challenges include institutional fragmentation, limited incident response capacities, and gaps in public awareness and education [2].
Kazakhstan, however, stands out as the regional leader in cybersecurity, according to the study. The country's advanced setup is distinguished by a comprehensive strategic framework, a mature institutional model, and active international cooperation.
At the heart of Kazakhstan's cybersecurity strategy is a clear roadmap provided by the CyberShield strategies (2017 and 2022) and the 2023 Concept for Digital Transformation, ICT Development, and Cybersecurity [3]. The strategies encompass the incorporation of the Cyber Shield and Digital Transformation programs, which focus on enhancing cybersecurity capabilities as part of a broader digital modernization effort.
Critical infrastructure protection is another key element of Kazakhstan's cybersecurity strategy, ensuring resilience against cyber threats in essential sectors. The country has established a robust institutional model featuring a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a network of Security Operations Centers (SOC). These bodies are central to active cyber incident detection, response, and coordination [4].
Kazakhstan is also actively cooperating internationally in cybersecurity matters, which helps the country align with global standards and collaborate on cybersecurity challenges [5]. The country's relatively advanced legal and institutional framework sets strong regulatory and organizational foundations for cybersecurity governance [6].
While Kazakhstan has made strong advances in digital development and cybersecurity, cybersecurity investment trails behind [7]. A new high-priority area in Kazakhstan's cybersecurity efforts is Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a dedicated strategy being adopted in 2024 [8].
Digitalization is perceived as a political priority in Kazakhstan, as stated in the report [9]. The study includes detailed findings and tailored, actionable recommendations on governance, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity education, and public awareness for all Central Asian countries [10]. The recommendations aim to support Central Asian countries in building resilient, inclusive, and secure digital futures.
[1] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [2] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [3] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [4] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [5] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [6] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [7] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [8] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [9] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023, [10] Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, e-Governance Academy, 8 July 2023,
- The report, the Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study, highlights the advancement of Kazakhstan's cybersecurity strategy, which relies heavily on technology to establish a comprehensive strategic framework, a mature institutional model, and active international cooperation for digital transformation and cybersecurity.
- In response to emerging technology trends, Kazakhstan is putting a emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its cybersecurity strategy, planning to adopt a dedicated AI strategy in the year 2024 as a new high-priority area in its cybersecurity efforts.
