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Conference on comprehensive approach to cyber security, Baku, Azerbaijan

Description

The purpose of this conference was to help the Government of Azerbaijan develop a consistent policy on cyber-security with the aim of implementing the Convention on Cybercrime by protecting rights and freedoms related to protection of personal data, privacy, etc. At the same time, the conference was intended to involve civil society actors in the field of cyber security and encourage the co-operation of Government and civil society.

Summary

Azerbaijan, like all OSCE participating States, is increasingly relying on information and communication technology and thus becoming more vulnerable to internet-related threats such as cyber-crime. These threats include attacks against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems, hate speech and infringements of copyright and related rights and etc. Cybercrime is among the most transnational of crimes and thus requires extensive and efficient international co-operation.

In the meantime, Azerbaijan is moving ahead in addressing such threats. For example, Azerbaijan signed the Convention on Cybercrime of the Council of Europe on 30 June 2008, and is in the process of fully ratifying it. While the National Parliament discussed and approved it on 30 September 2009, Presidential approval is the next step required before its entry into force.

Nevertheless, the implementation of the Convention will require many new changes, including updating current criminal legislation, revisions of procedure, creation of more efficient law enforcement measures and better regulation of co-operation with internet service providers. In addition, government institutions, including the judiciary have very limited knowledge of high-tech crime. For example, the use of electronic evidence is a new development. Staff in all the affected institutions will require significant training to cope with new demands for enforcing laws in an increasingly high tech environment.

It was expected that this workshop will identify further requirements for training and capacity building which the Office will pursue in the future.