DUSHANBE and BISHKEK — The Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) successfully completed its first in a series of three workshops in Central Asia, focused on building a culture of cyber readiness in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The workshops were led by Lessie Skiba, CRI’s Deputy Managing Director, and Kinsey Yow, CRI’s Director of Operations and Quality Assurance, and conducted in partnership with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) and Mastercard.
The workshops brought together representatives from government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector organizations to advance a shared commitment to strengthening cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the region.
During the sessions, participants reviewed the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including common risks facing SMBs and practical, behavior-based safeguards that can be implemented without significant technical resources. CRI provided an overview of its Cyber Readiness Program, a structured framework designed to help small businesses adopt essential cybersecurity behaviors and build long-term resilience.
A central component of the workshops focused on CRI’s two-role model: Cyber Leaders and Cyber Coaches.
Participants were invited to elect a pathway aligned with their professional role and regional goals:
Cyber Leaders complete CRI’s Cyber Leadership Training and guide their organizations through the completion and verification of the CRI Cyber Readiness Playbook, embedding cybersecurity best practices into daily operations.
Cyber Coaches pursue certification as CRI-certified Cyber Coaches, equipping them to support multiple organizations in implementing the Cyber Readiness Program and expanding regional impact.
This model ensures local ownership and scalability by empowering both internal organizational champions and external advisors.
The Central Asia engagement emphasized that cyber readiness is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing commitment. Through collaboration with CLDP and Mastercard, CRI reinforced the importance of public-private partnership in building sustainable cybersecurity capacity.
By providing structured training, clearly defined roles, and a scalable framework, CRI aims to help establish a durable ecosystem that supports SMBs as they navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.
CRI’s inaugural workshops in Dushanbe and Bishkek mark the beginning of a longer-term regional commitment. CRI plans to support two additional training sessions remotely throughout 2026 to reinforce learning outcomes, support newly appointed Cyber Leaders and Coaches, and continue strengthening Central Asia’s cyber readiness ecosystem.
As CRI expands its global footprint, it remains committed to equipping organizations with practical tools and guidance to operate securely, confidently, and resiliently in today’s digital economy.
For more information about the Cyber Readiness Institute and its global training programs, visit cyberreadinessinstitute.org.
