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- The first structured cybersecurity program combining technology, advisory, talent development and ecosystem collaboration across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region
- This partnership reinforces Azerbaijan’s role as a regional contributor to cybersecurity capability – building, extending its impact beyond local priorities and enabling collaboration across CIS markets and partner ecosystems.
- The program introduces a coordinated set of capabilities including continuous cyber risk monitoring, national and regional CISO collaboration, cybersecurity talent development, startup acceleration, and SME-focused cyber risk assessment tools.
The Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and Mastercard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strengthening the capabilities of the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center. Anchored within IDDA’s existing national framework, the partnership delivers a structured regional cybersecurity program designed to support resilience, skills development, and cross‑institution cooperation across Azerbaijan and the wider CIS region.
Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer at Mastercard, attended the launch, underscoring the initiative’s relevance within Mastercard’s global cybersecurity and services agenda and its focus on national-scale resilience and ecosystem enablement.
The IDDA’s Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center brings together Mastercard’s global cybersecurity technologies, data-driven insights and advisory expertise within Azerbaijan’s digital and regulatory priorities. Designed as a 3‑year collaboration, the initiative moves cybersecurity beyond isolated efforts by establishing a coordinated operating model through which public institutions, financial organizations, enterprises and SMEs can access shared insights, tools and expertise. In doing so, the program supports Azerbaijan’s broader digital development and economic resilience priorities, while also serving as a reference framework for CIS countries and neighboring markets.
“Cyber resilience is a foundation for modern economies, enabling sustainable digital growth and trust across sectors. As cyber threats become more complex, institutions need the ability to anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness, and respond with confidence. Through our partnership with IDDA, Mastercard is bringing together technology, advisory expertise, and talent development - recognizing that security is built not in isolation, but through connected ecosystems and skilled leaders working together across institutions and borders.” said Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer at Mastercard.
IDDA’s Chairman Farid Osmanov highlighted main areas of focus in cooperation with Mastercard: “Our cooperation will focus on digitalization, innovation, and cybersecurity. Together with Mastercard, we are considering the establishment of a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. At this center, programs will be organized—with the participation of the company’s leading experts—to support the development of human capital in this field.”
Accelerating Cybersecurity Innovation
As part of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence framework, the program will introduce Mastercard’s Lighthouse acceleration program, enabling selected startups to access mentorship, partnerships, funding and commercialization opportunities in cybersecurity.
Regional Leadership and Cross-Country Collaboration
The program will establish a CISO-level collaboration platform across entities, financial institutions and large enterprises, including roundtables, cross-country benchmarking, threat intelligence exchange and cyber crisis simulations. This workstream supports Azerbaijan’s role in strengthening structured cybersecurity cooperation across partner institutions and countries.
Building Sustainable Cyber Talent and Leadership
The initiative will support long-term capability development through training programs, Cyber & Tech Safari initiatives and GRC-focused mentorship, aimed at building cybersecurity leadership and governance skills across the region.
Integration with Azerbaijan’s National Digital Ecosystem
The program will be embedded into Azerbaijan’s e-government ecosystem, extending cybersecurity capabilities to citizens and small businesses. The scope includes identity protection services and SME-focused cyber risk assessment tools, helping organizations understand their exposure and take practical steps to reduce risk before cyber incidents impact operations or trust.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
