On September 25 and 26, 2024, a team from NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme visited Baku, Azerbaijan, to evaluate existing scientific collaborations and initiate a new research project focused on safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks. This initiative highlights NATO’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures in member and partner nations, addressing the growing concerns of cyber threats targeting essential services.
The newly launched project aims to develop a sophisticated cyber platform designed to help organizations train personnel, test new technologies, and evaluate processes under simulated cyber-attack scenarios. Over the next two years, the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) in Romania will collaborate with Azerbaijan’s Special Communication and Information Security State Service to create this vital resource. The platform will equip cyber defense teams with a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities in Operational Technology systems, which are crucial for the functioning of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and transportation networks.
During their visit, NATO representatives also organized an Information Day at ADA University, engaging with over 40 participants from academia and various Azerbaijani government ministries, including Foreign Affairs and Defense. This event aimed to promote NATO’s ongoing scientific cooperation activities in Azerbaijan and stimulate new ideas among the local research community. By fostering collaboration between NATO and Azerbaijani researchers, the initiative seeks to strengthen the regional capacity to combat cyber threats and enhance overall security.
NATO’s SPS Programme has a long-standing history of collaboration with Azerbaijan, encompassing efforts to neutralize hazardous materials left from the Soviet era, securing energy infrastructure against seismic risks, and developing technologies for detecting landmines and explosives. By facilitating innovative scientific projects and knowledge exchange, NATO continues to build robust international networks, reinforcing its commitment to the security and stability of the region while empowering Azerbaijan in its efforts to counter emerging cyber threats.
