The digital revolution has transformed technology into an integral part of our lives. Government administration, the banking system, healthcare, and even national security increasingly rely on internet-based infrastructures. At the same time, cybersecurity threats are escalating: globally, the number of cyberattacks is growing yearly, causing significant damage to states and companies. These threats have made the protection of digital infrastructure and the provision of cybersecurity a top priority for governments.
Uzbekistan is also taking the necessary measures to ensure digital security. However, this process requires studying international trends and effectively using the experiences of neighboring countries.
Cybersecurity status of Uzbekistan and neighboring countries (GCI 2020)
In the modern world, cybersecurity is a crucial factor in national security and economic stability. The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), compiled by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as a key resource for evaluating countries’ efforts in information security. Below is an overview of Uzbekistan and its neighboring countries’ rankings:
Uzbekistan
- Ranking: 70th
- Score: 71.11
- Remarks: Uzbekistan ranked 70th in 2020 with a score of 71.11. This result reflects significant efforts made in the country to ensure information security. Uzbekistan is classified among “second-tier developing countries” (Tier 2).
Kazakhstan
- Ranking: 54th
- Score: 81.07
- Remarks: Kazakhstan is the leader in cybersecurity in Central Asia. Strict legislation and advanced infrastructure have played a significant role in achieving these high results.
Kyrgyzstan
- Ranking: 92nd
- Score: 49.64
- Remarks: Kyrgyzstan’s cybersecurity level is relatively low, placing it near the bottom of the rankings. However, efforts are underway to improve the country’s digital security infrastructure.
Tajikistan
- Ranking: 129th
- Score: 34.42
- Remarks: Tajikistan faces significant challenges in cybersecurity. Limited technical infrastructure and resource shortages are key obstacles to development.
Turkmenistan
- 2020: Ranked 144th in the GCI rankings.
- 2023: Placed 164th in the NCSI rankings.
- Remarks: Information about Turkmenistan’s cybersecurity efforts is limited. The country’s low results are linked to restricted technological development and limited internet access.
Afghanistan (2020)
- Ranking: 150th
- Score: 23.96
- Remarks: Political and economic challenges have hindered Afghanistan’s ability to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity policy.
Cybersecurity leaders and challenges
Top 3 countries in cybersecurity:
- United States
- Leads globally across all aspects of cybersecurity.
- The National Cybersecurity Strategy emphasizes public-private partnerships.
- Actively participates in international intelligence sharing.
- Has multiple Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) to protect key sectors like finance and healthcare.
- United Kingdom
- Manages threats through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
- Cybersecurity strategies focus on international collaboration and innovation.
- Emphasizes upgrading technical infrastructure and training specialists.
- Singapore
- Enforces strict cybersecurity laws and maintains advanced infrastructure.
- Leads in awareness campaigns and training professionals.
- The Cybersecurity Agency (CSA) focuses on protecting critical infrastructure.
Bottom 3 countries in cybersecurity:
- Afghanistan: Ranked 150th due to weak infrastructure and lack of a comprehensive cybersecurity policy.
- Yemen: Low results are due to limited technological development and insufficient government resources.
- Central African Republic: Lacks a national cybersecurity strategy and suffers from weak infrastructure.
Protecting children online
The ITU Child Online Protection (COP) Guidelines emphasize the need for global measures to protect children from online threats. During the pandemic, the rise of remote learning increased children’s internet usage, exposing them to greater risks. The guidelines aim to help children, parents, and educators manage these risks while promoting safe use of digital technologies.
Key Objectives:
- Develop laws and strategies to protect children online.
- Establish mechanisms for addressing online challenges nationally.
- Create special educational programs in schools and launch awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that is closely tied to national security. To strengthen its position, Uzbekistan should focus on the following:
- Updating its national strategy: Strengthen legislation and develop specific strategies for cybersecurity.
- Enhancing international cooperation: Collaborate with global organizations and leading nations to share expertise.
- Developing technical infrastructure: Adopt modern technologies and establish incident response teams.
- Protecting children online: Introduce special laws and integrate cybersecurity education into school curricula.
- Raising public awareness: Launch media campaigns to educate citizens on cybersecurity.
By implementing these steps, Uzbekistan can strengthen its national security and achieve a more prominent position in the global cybersecurity landscape.
Prepared by: Gulnoza Mikhailovna
