Uzbekistan faces a significant cybersecurity workforce gap with only about 2,500 professionals in 2026, far below the estimated needs of the expanding digital economy. Despite increased cybersecurity budgets of approximately USD 45 million, the country struggles to recruit and retain skilled personnel, risking higher vulnerability to cyber threats. Efforts to expand training programs are underway to bridge this gap and improve digital resilience.
The rising number of cyber incidents, totaling around 3,200 annually, underscores the urgent need for better cybersecurity infrastructure and expertise. Currently, the average incident response time is approximately 36 hours, which may delay critical mitigation actions. Strengthening workforce capacity and investing in advanced cybersecurity tools are crucial for Uzbekistan to safeguard its digital assets effectively.