Uzbekistan’s digital ambitions are growing fast, but so are the cyber risks. To help strengthen the country’s defenses, the OSCE has launched a six-week training program for government cybersecurity specialists.

Seventy professionals from various state institutions are taking part in the initiative, which runs from July 14 to August 21. The training, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Noventiq Education Center, focuses on real-world defensive skills, not just theory.

“Professionals need more than just theoretical knowledge—they need practical experience,” said Sergei Sizov, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “Programs like this allow specialists to prepare for real-world challenges. It’s an important step toward ensuring that digital infrastructure remains resilient and secure.”

Participants are diving into ethical hacking techniques, learning to think like attackers so they can better defend their systems. They’re also sharpening their skills in Linux and Windows server security, which are key areas since most critical infrastructure runs on those platforms.

The OSCE says this effort supports Uzbekistan’s ongoing campaign to fight cybercrime, as outlined in a presidential decree aimed at strengthening national cyber capabilities. But it’s also part of a broader regional effort: the training falls under the OSCE’s Development of National Capacities to Counter Cyber/ICT Threats project.

As more public services move online, protecting digital systems becomes just as important as building them. By training a new wave of cyber defenders, Uzbekistan is laying the groundwork for a safer, more resilient digital future.