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Kazakhstan Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Cybersecurity Amid Growing Threats to Finance Sector

ASTANA, Kazakhstan - As the Republic of Kazakhstan continues to integrate new technologies into its daily life, concerns about cybersecurity threats have reached a critical level.

To address these issues, the country has implemented its national “Cyber Shield of Kazakhstan” concept, aimed at protecting its financial sector and ensuring a safer digital environment.

Background

In January 2017, President Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed the government to create a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. Five months later, the concept was approved. The Cyber Shield of Kazakhstan outlines measures to:

  • Boost a legal and industrial culture of cybersecurity
  • Improve the country’s readiness to prevent and respond to incidents
  • Provide basic definitions and explanations to raise general awareness about threats

Key Challenges and Threats

The document defines key challenges and threats, including:

  • Insufficient awareness among citizens
  • Shortage of information security professionals
  • Inadequate infrastructure
  • Neglect by organizations of information security requirements
  • Limited trust in the public sector
  • Risks associated with electronic public services

Response and Action Plan

To address these issues, Kazakhstan has created a working group comprising:

  • Parliamentarians
  • Representatives of state bodies
  • Professional and industry associations
  • Higher educational institutions
  • Industry representatives

The group analyzed the status of informatization at government agencies, automation of public services, prospects for the digital economy, and modernization of production processes to expand the scope for ICT services.

Progress and Achievements

Abdikalikov emphasized that the country is committed to continuous improvement and has already started developing a new cybersecurity development document. Kazakhstan also uses the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) - produced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) since 2014 - as a metric for progress, which has helped strengthen cybersecurity development in the country.

Recent Progress:

  • Kazakhstan’s position in the GCI rankings has improved significantly, moving from 103rd place to 31st.
  • The country scores high on four of the five GCI criteria: legal, technical, organizational and cooperation.

Committee on Information Security

To achieve this, Kazakhstan has established a separate body - the Committee on Information Security - responsible for implementing state policy on cybersecurity.

Recommendations

Abdikalikov recommends establishing:

  • Legislative and regulatory frameworks
  • State structures dealing with personal data protection
  • Public awareness about rights and freedoms
  • Technical and organizational measures to prevent leakage of personal data
  • Administrative and criminal liability for illegal actions

Future Development

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its digital infrastructure, the country recognizes that cybersecurity threats are also progressing. Abdikalikov emphasized that revising the Cyber Shield concept is crucial to stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities and cyber threats.

Conclusion: Kazakhstan’s bold steps towards strengthening cybersecurity demonstrate the country’s commitment to protecting its financial sector and ensuring a safer digital environment. By implementing the Cyber Shield concept, Kazakhstan aims to prevent and respond to incidents, raise awareness about threats, and continuously improve its cybersecurity development.