KazNU has considered ways to improve cyber resilience

The Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a ceremony to open a cyber training course on protecting technological systems at energy facilities.

The event aims to enhance the cyber resilience of the energy industry's critical infrastructure, ensure the security of automated control systems, and develop practical skills for countering modern cyber threats.

The ceremony was attended by Doszhan Musaliyev, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Bakytzhan Ilyas, Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board and Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Askar Zhunisbek, Chairman of the Board of the State Technical Service JSC; and leading IT specialists, scientists, and experts.

Opening the event, KazNU Rector Zhanseit Tuyimebayev noted that today cybersecurity is not only a part of the information technology sector, but also a strategic area that ensures national security, economic stability, and the country's digital sovereignty.

"Today, KazNU is actively implementing scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, information security and high-performance computing. In December 2025, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed a memorandum on the establishment of an Industrial Center for Technological Competencies. Today, the center develops more than ten areas of scientific research. Among them: clean energy, traditional energy, electric and thermal networks, subsoil use and geology, coal chemistry, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity of energy infrastructure",- said the rector.

In turn, Doszhan Mussaliyev, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized that accelerating digital transformation and advancing artificial intelligence technologies are among the key priorities of the country's state policy.

“The Head of State has declared the current year the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, setting the goal of transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital state within the next three years. In this regard, particular attention is being given to artificial intelligence, information technologies, and cybersecurity. The organization of such cyber exercises makes a significant contribution to strengthening the security of strategic infrastructure facilities and training highly qualified specialists”,- the Vice Minister noted.

The event also featured remarks by Bakytzhan Ilyas, Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the cybersecurity of the country's energy infrastructure.

“The reliable and uninterrupted operation of energy infrastructure is the foundation of the country’s energy security and economic stability. Therefore, protecting information and technological systems from modern cyber threats, enhancing the qualifications of industry specialists, and regularly conducting practical cyber exercises are of particular importance. Cooperation among government agencies, universities, and industry organizations in this area contributes to fostering a culture of cybersecurity and strengthening the protection of our country’s critical infrastructure”,- said Bakytzhan Ilyas.

The expert part of the event featured presentations on the challenges of ensuring cybersecurity in the context of digitalization in the energy sector, as well as post-quantum and quantum-resistant solutions for protecting communications in the energy industry.

The practical part of the cyber exercises included working on scenarios that were as close as possible to real production conditions. The participants practiced their skills in identifying and analyzing cyberattacks, preventing threats, and protecting information systems.

The program also included team competitions, cybersecurity training sessions, and hands-on workshops on cryptography and modern data protection technologies. The cyber exercises will last for two days.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University