DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND CYBERSECURITY

Amid the rapid digitalisation of sociological research, the introduction of advanced IT solutions into analytical work, and the implementation of a broader strategy aimed at digital transformation and strengthening information security measures, information security has become one of the key priorities of the Republican Center for the Study of Public Opinion “Ijtimoiy Fikr.”

To enhance the professional competencies of the Center’s management in the protection of digital assets, Timur Ravilievich Muratov, Deputy Director for Digital Technologies and Innovation, successfully completed a professional training course based on the international ISO/IEC 27001 standard for Information Security Management Systems.

Contemporary Information Security Challenges

The activities of the “Ijtimoiy Fikr” Center are closely linked to the processing of large volumes of data, ranging from the results of nationwide public opinion surveys to expert interviews addressing important aspects of social life. In today’s environment, such data require not only in-depth analytical processing but also uncompromising protection against unauthorised access.

The ISO/IEC 27001 international standard establishes requirements for an Information Security Management System, ensuring a comprehensive approach to information protection. Timur Ravilievich’s training covered several critical aspects of data management:

• Risk identification and assessment: detecting potential threats to the Center’s information systems;
• Designing security systems: establishing multi-layered safeguards to prevent data breaches;
• Compliance and standardisation: aligning internal security policies with international requirements for transparency and accountability;
• Incident management: ensuring a prompt response to any attempts to compromise data.

New Standards in the Work of “Ijtimoiy Fikr”

Obtaining this certificate represents a logical continuation of the Center’s policy aimed at modernising its technological infrastructure. The implementation of ISO/IEC 27001 principles will enable the Center to:

1. Ensure confidentiality: protect the personal data of all participants in sociological surveys at every stage of data collection and processing.
2. Increase confidence in research findings: a high level of data protection minimises the risk of data substitution, manipulation, or distortion, which is essential for the reliability of analytical conclusions.
3. Maintain operational continuity: proactive risk management will reduce the likelihood of disruptions in the operation of the Center’s digital platforms.
4. Strengthen its international standing: compliance with internationally recognised standards will create new opportunities for cooperation with international research organisations, where data security requirements are among the most stringent.