World Watch/Armenia/Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity · Armenia

Cybersecurity - Armenia

Comprehensive lawLaw of the Republic of Armenia 'On Cybersecurity' (entered into force 4 January 2026), administered by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and a newly mandated Information Systems Regulatory Authority; Government CERT operates under the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA)

Armenia enacted a comprehensive cybersecurity law that came into force on 4 January 2026, establishing a unified national cybersecurity policy covering both state bodies and private critical-infrastructure operators across 14 designated sectors. The law mandates risk management, minimum security standards (ISO 27001 or equivalent), and a 72-hour incident-reporting obligation for serious cyber incidents to the Authorised Body. An autonomous Information Systems Regulatory Authority is to be constituted by the National Assembly, and approximately 30 secondary regulatory acts are still required for full implementation.

Comprehensive Law in Force

The Law 'On Cybersecurity' was approved by the National Assembly of Armenia in November 2025 and entered into force on 4 January 2026, following government approval of the legislative package on 14 August 2025. It is Armenia's first dedicated, horizontal cybersecurity statute.

Critical Infrastructure Scope

The law designates 14 critical sectors — including energy, transport, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and public administration — and places obligations on Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators in both state and private spheres to implement organisational and technical measures.

Incident Reporting — 72-Hour Obligation

Upon becoming aware of a serious cyber incident (defined as one threatening life, national security, the economy, or critical infrastructure continuity), regulated entities must submit updated information to the Authorised Body within 72 hours. CII operators must also maintain incident-response and business-continuity processes.

Mandatory Security Standards & Certification

CII operators are required to meet government-determined minimum cybersecurity standards and obtain ISO 27001 or equivalent international certification every three years. State bodies and public-sector entities are also subject to mandatory standards.

New Regulatory Authority & CERT

The companion Law 'On the Information Systems Regulatory Authority' creates an autonomous regulator whose members are elected by the National Assembly. The existing Government Computer Incident Response Center (CERT, cert.gov.am) currently operates under ISAA and will be integrated into the new framework as the operational cyber-incident response function.

Personal Data Breach Notification (Pre-existing)

Separate from the new cybersecurity law, Armenia's personal data legislation already requires data processors to immediately notify the Police and the Personal Data Protection Authority upon discovering an outflow of personal data from electronic systems.

Machine-assisted translation · verified 5/24/2026 · orientation, not legal advice. English version →