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Information Security Testing laboratory of SSSCIS launched at Baku Higher Oil School
The Information Security Testing laboratory has been launched at the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) of SOCAR on the initiative and with the support of the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security (SSSCIS).
The opening ceremony was attended by Chief of the SSSCIS, Lieutenant General Ilgar Musayev; Head of the National Cybersecurity Center of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Major General Davud Rustamov; Vice President of SOCAR Ziba Mustafayeva; BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov; Head of the Digital Management Department of the Ministry of Economy, Anar Narimanov; Scientific Director of Romania's National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest), Carmen Elena Cirnu; and other guests.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the laboratory, Chief of the SSSCIS Ilgar Musayev noted that the Information Security Testing laboratory was established within the framework of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the SSSCIS and BHOS, as well as within the framework of the implementation of the relevant requirements of the “Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Information Security and Cybersecurity for 2023–2027,” approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated August 28, 2023. He emphasized that, within the framework of implementing the relevant provision of the Strategy, work is continuing jointly with the Ministry of Economy to equip the laboratory with specialized software and additional equipment in order to enhance its technical capabilities. The Chief of the Service emphasized that the Cyber Polygon project, implemented jointly with the SSSCIS and the ICI Bucharest within the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, is an advanced cyber training and testing platform, created within the framework of international cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School of SOCAR Elmar Gasimov stated that the Information Security Testing laboratory established at BHOS is of great importance for the development of practice-oriented education in the field of information security at higher education institutions. The Rector emphasized that this laboratory is important in terms of enabling students to acquire modern technological knowledge and gain experience from working on real testing platforms, as well as shaping them as future specialists in the field of cybersecurity. Elmar Gasimov noted that this model of cooperation between a state agency and a higher education institution has made a significant contribution to strengthening scientific potential and adapting the educational process to modern requirements.
In her remarks, Scientific Director of Romania's National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest), Carmen Elena Cirnu noted that the project is a modern platform that combines simulation-based training and testing mechanisms in the field of cybersecurity, allowing participants to develop practical skills in real cyberattack scenarios. Carmen Elena Cirnu emphasized that the cybersecurity environment established at Baku Higher Oil School with the support of SOCAR is a rare example, even among many European countries. According to her, this approach reflects trust in young people, a strategic vision, and a future-oriented mindset.
Speaking at the ceremony, Head of the National Cybersecurity Center of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Major General Davud Rustamov stated that the launch of the laboratory is of great importance in terms of the timely identification of gaps in existing software and hardware in Azerbaijan, risk reduction, and the proactive prevention of cyber incidents. He noted that “it is gratifying that such a laboratory has been established at a higher education institution like Baku Higher Oil School, which is at the forefront in terms of scientific and educational potential.”
In his remarks, Head of the Digital Management Department of the Ministry of Economy, Anar Narimanov, noted that the laboratory is not only a place where physical technologies are housed, but also a center for the cultivation of human capital - students, researchers, and future cyber specialists. “Here, students will be able not only to develop their digital skills but also to participate in the creation of new products and startups by working on real projects in Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) and other technology centers.”
Then, the state officials and foreign guests got acquainted with the Information Security Testing laboratory.
