The Malware Analysis and Digital Forensics Laboratory, established by the State Service of Special Communication and Information Security (SCIS) of the Republic of Azerbaijan at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), has been inaugurated.

The laboratory was set up within the framework of a cooperation memorandum signed between the SCIS and AzTU in 2022. Efforts to equip the facility with modern specialized software and additional technological hardware were carried out jointly with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in accordance with the implementation of the Action Plan for the "Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Information Security and Cybersecurity for 2023–2027," approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 4060 dated August 28, 2023.

The event was attended by the Head of the SCIS, Lieutenant General Ilgar Musayev; the Rector of AzTU, Vilayat Valiyev and other guests. This laboratory—the first of its kind in Azerbaijan—provides capabilities for conducting practical exercises based on real-world cyber-incident scenarios, examining digital evidence, studying the behavior of malicious software, performing reverse engineering and code/malware analysis, and investigating the technical traces of cyberattacks. Furthermore, the newly launched laboratory plays a vital role in protecting state information resources and critical information infrastructure from cyber threats, strengthening technical expertise, investigating modern cyber threats, and developing local professional capacity in this field.

By utilizing the laboratory's facilities, students, educators, researchers, and specialists from government agencies will be able to participate in practical training sessions conducted by XRİTDX. Additionally, they will be able to conduct in-depth analyses of targeted cyberattacks and malicious software affecting the country, identify the attack methods and techniques employed, and explore technical attribution capabilities regarding the associated threat actors and attack campaigns. The Malware Analysis and Digital Forensics Laboratory was established as an extension of the activities of the Computer Incident Response Center (CERT.gov.az)—part of the Special Communication and Information Security State Service (SCISSSS)—focused on malware analysis and research.

One of the laboratory's key functions involves the technical analysis, testing, and selection—within a controlled environment—of endpoint security and antivirus solutions intended for use in government information systems. This activity supports the technical implementation of tasks outlined in Clause 5.4 of the "Concept for Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan," approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 287 dated January 16, 2025.

Additionally, the event included an award ceremony for the winners of the latest competition organized by SCISSSS at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). This competition was held to assess the cybersecurity knowledge and skills of undergraduate and graduate students during the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year.