Azerbaijan Establishes Cybersecurity Agency Amid Rising Russian and Iranian Threats

• •Azerbaijan's new National Cybersecurity Agency is formed to counter Russian and Iranian cyber threats.
• •The agency's creation follows a major cyberattack in February 2025 linked to Russian group APT29.
• •Azerbaijan is strengthening its tech partnership with the US, signing agreements worth over $8 billion.

Azerbaijan has created a National Cybersecurity Agency (NCA) to combat increasing cyber threats from Russia and Iran. This decision follows a significant cyberattack in February 2025 attributed to the Russian group APT29, which targeted Azerbaijani media. The NCA centralizes the protection of critical infrastructure and state digital services, and it is based on the former Electronic Security Service. The agency's responsibilities include monitoring cyber threats, safeguarding data centers, and developing cybersecurity legislation. Azerbaijan is also enhancing its technology partnership with the United States, highlighted by recent agreements worth over $8 billion. The establishment of the NCA reflects a strategic move to bolster defenses against hybrid threats from Russia. The agency aims to create a robust cybersecurity framework in response to the evolving digital landscape.