National Computer Emergency Response Team of Kazakhstan Joins STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign

CAMBRIDGE, MASSCHUSETTS, USA, November 8, 2022 — Today the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention ( STC ) in partnership with the National Computer Emergency Response Team of Kazakhstan (KZ-CERT), announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy the international online safety campaign, STOP. THINK. CONNECT, in Kazakhstan.

State Technical Service JSC is a quasi-public organisation which ultimately aims to form, develop and ensure the security of the information and communication infrastructure and cyberspace of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Having over 14 years of experience in performing its activities, STS JSC also serves as the head organization for KZ-CERT.

The National Computer Emergency Response Team (KZ-CERT), in its turn, functions as the single center for national information systems users and Kazakhstani Internet segment which provides collection and analysis of security incidents reports, as well as consultative and technical assistance to users in preventing cyberthreats.

“Through establishing and developing international communication, KZ-CERT cooperates now with more than 80 countries around the world. As practice shows, engaging with foreign partners brings a positive effect in the field of ensuring information security. KZ-CERT has been an official APWG Member since June 27, 2012 and it has progressed with stable cooperation through years. Now, together with STC it became possible to strengthen our ties,” said the Head of KZ-CERT.

“Online safety and security is a growing global concern. As our lives become evermore connected it becomes more important than ever that all people know how to protect themselves, how to identify and avoid malicious actors, and what steps they can take to defend their data,” said Aimee Larsen Kirkpatrick, President of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention.

“As a society, we can begin by teaching the building blocks of what it takes to navigate the digital world safely and securely, and what to do if there is a breach. We’re thrilled to have Kazakhstan become the latest country joining us in our mission to deliver basic digital safety awareness and education,” Larsen Kirkpatrick said.

The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign’s foundation is a series of actionable instructions that people can apply to their daily digital interaction. STC seeks to empower individuals to take control of their digital presence and learn how to navigate cyberspace using a framework of judgement based on the types of interactions and places one might experience online.

“As an organization responsible for the safe cyberspace within Kazakhstan’s territory, we recognize that improving our citizens’ awareness on digital hygiene is one of the key tasks in performing our activities. We are pleased to have such an opportunity to establish cooperation with STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention, which will gradually help us reach the goal,” said the Head of KZ-CERT.

The agreement between the two organizations is an MoU to promote the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Campaign to the people of Kazakhstan. Campaign materials and messaging will be made available to KZ-CERT for building a localized campaign that will meet the needs of Kazakhstan.

The Messaging Convention and KZ-CERT agree to co-develop materials to support the Kazakh national cybersecurity awareness campaign, including logos and messaging in Kazakh and Russian.

Additionally, the organizations agree, when possible, to exchange cyber threat data, exchange experience on handling information security incidents, and seek to exchange information and ideas that will further understanding and cooperation in cybersecurity.

“We are honored to bring KZ-CERT into the Messaging Convention as a national curator and as a development partner. KZ-CERT extends the global footprint of the campaign and comes with the special expertise and purview of a national computer emergency response team,” said Messaging Convention CEO Peter Cassidy.

“Concluding this Memorandum of Understanding, KZ-CERT has high hopes on our future fruitful joint work that will come of great experience and value for both sides,” said the Head of KZ-CERT.

STC Press Management 
The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention, Inc. 
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