In accordance with paragraph 4 of the protocol of the meeting chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a special roadmap was developed with the aim of creating a national system for training specialists in the field of cryptology. Within the framework of this document, a new Department of “Cybersecurity and Cryptology” was established at the Faculty of Information Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The main goal of the department is to train professional specialists in the field of information security and to equip students with knowledge and skills in accordance with modern requirements of cybersecurity and cryptology. The department focuses on providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in protecting information systems and networks, encryption methods, and security policy development. In addition, by paying special attention to scientific research and innovative projects, the department contributes to the development of new solutions and technologies in the field of cybersecurity at both national and international levels. Another important task is the modernization of educational programs in cryptology and the preparation of highly qualified specialists.

Faculty members include professionals working in the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Military Engineering Institute of Radio Electronics and Communications, as well as foreign professors actively involved in the teaching process. These measures play an important role in implementing Kazakhstan’s cybersecurity strategy and strengthening effective cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.

As part of the new department, modern laboratories will be established, partnerships with leading international organizations will be developed, and research projects will be implemented. Internship programs and professional development courses for students and young specialists are also planned, creating conditions for the development of new scientific solutions in the field of cryptology.

In the future, graduates of the department will be employed in government agencies, IT companies, the financial sector, and law enforcement structures, contributing to the digital security of the country. Thus, the Department of “Cybersecurity and Cryptology” will give a powerful impetus to strengthening Kazakhstan’s digital sovereignty and preparing internationally competitive specialists.

The Department of “Cybersecurity and Cryptology” was established in 2024. The first head of the department was Professor Shynar Musiraliyeva, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

She is one of the leading experts in information security and cryptology, actively involved in the development of new educational programs, scientific research, and the integration of modern technologies into the learning process. Under her leadership, the department aimed to train highly qualified specialists to ensure Kazakhstan’s cybersecurity.

In 2021, she became the winner of the national competition “Best University Lecturer.”
In 2024, she was awarded the medal “For Contribution to the Development of Science” for her outstanding achievements in the field of science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Since the 2025 academic year, the department has been headed by PhD Asem Turarbek, who continues the development of the department in training qualified specialists and implementing innovative educational and scientific projects