Research Reveals Security Risks in Azerbaijan’s Electronic Libraries

Jerusalem, 11 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – Discussions were held on issues of ensuring information security in intellectual electronic libraries at the next scientific seminar of the Institute of Information Technologies of the Ministry of Science and Education. AZERTAC was informed about this by the institute.

Dilbar Alizadeh, an employee of the Department of Scientific Information and Science Metrics, made a speech on the topic and said that ensuring information security in electronic libraries requires the implementation of methods to combat various threats and risks, and these risks and threats are also related to internal and external factors. She noted that the main goal of conducting the research is to investigate the issues of ensuring information security in intellectual electronic libraries, solve the problems encountered, present strategies to prevent threats, and develop proposals to ensure the information security of the intellectual electronic library.

Speaking about security risks in intellectual electronic libraries, the speaker said that these include violations of data confidentiality, intellectual property rights, technical attacks and cyber threats, human factor and internal threats, low digital literacy, as well as technical failures. He also spoke about information security issues in electronic libraries in Azerbaijan.

The researcher, who said that although the number of electronic libraries in our country is increasing, information security issues have not been fully resolved, added that the websites of many state libraries do not use modern encryption methods. “Cases have been discovered where it is possible to access the system with the “admin” password on the electronic platforms of secondary schools and higher education institutions, which poses a serious threat to the confidentiality of user data,” Alizadeh said.

Alizadeh also discussed technological approaches in the field of information security. Alizadeh noted that the issue of user identification plays a key role in preventing unauthorized access to information systems. “During two- and multi-factor authentication, users are required to enter the system with both a password and confirmation from a mobile device. Biometric methods not only increase the security level of the system, but also optimize the user experience,” she explained.

She stressed the importance of developing strategic approaches and applying best practices to solve security problems in intellectual electronic libraries and highlighted the need for continuous awareness-raising activities for electronic library users and employees.

Addressing the results of the research, Alizadeh noted that that information leaks, cyber threats, legal loopholes, and user negligence directly affect the security of electronic libraries. “In particular, the application of artificial intelligence and other modern technologies is creating new challenges in the context of security. In order to overcome the problems in this area, it is important to adapt to international standards and develop a national strategy, along with technological solutions,” she insisted.

Then, the Vice-President of ANAS, Director General of the Institute, Academician Rasim Alguliyev, spoke about the relevance of information security issues in the electronic library environment, and voiced his suggestions and recommendations for continuing research in this direction. He drew attention to the importance of conducting research on the main features, challenges, and requirements of the library information system and developing its architecture.

The scientist emphasized the feasibility of conducting research and preparing articles on the topics “Electronic library as a special-purpose information system” and “Problems of digital library 4.0.”

Aliguliyev also stated that it is necessary to conduct research to ensure data sovereignty, cyber sovereignty, and digital sovereignty of the country’s library resources.