Uzbekistan to establish institute for cryptology and cybersecurity

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan will establish the Institute of Cryptology, Information Security and Innovative Technologies at the Center for Radio-Electronic Systems and Information Technologies of Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Tashkent University of Information Technologies, under a resolution signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The institute will focus on retraining and advanced training of specialists in cryptology, information protection, information security and cybersecurity. It will also train specialists in artificial intelligence, big data processing, digital forensics and other digital technologies.

The institute will conduct research and development work and participate in fundamental, applied and innovative projects. Its responsibilities will also include developing regulatory documents, national standards and regulations in the relevant fields.

With the approval of the authorized cybersecurity body, the institute will be able to develop, manufacture, sell and certify cryptographic and technical information protection systems for restricted-use information.

Institute specialists will also conduct assessments of information resources and systems belonging to government bodies and organizations. This will include critical information infrastructure facilities. The institute will be able to assess their level of protection and certify facilities where restricted-use information is processed.

Employees of the institute, as well as invited teachers and specialists, will be eligible for mortgage loans to purchase housing in newly built properties in Tashkent region. The down payment must be at least 15% of the property's value.

Commercial banks will provide the loans for up to 20 years at an interest rate established by legislation.

An extra-budgetary Development Fund will also be established under the institute. Its revenues will come from certification and other services, the sale of developed technical equipment, sponsorship donations and other sources.

The fund's resources will be used to strengthen the institute's material and technical facilities, develop its library, finance educational, research and production activities, implement research projects and provide material incentives for employees.