IT families: Askar and Aliya Dyusekeyeva

Askar Dyusskeyev, city — Astana, Head of the Malicious Code Research Center, Instagram

Alia Dyusskeyeva, city — Astana, Head of the Information Security Tools Research Laboratory, Instagram

About Us

Askar. I am the Head of the Malicious Code Research Center, an architect, and a developer. My wife and I met at work. This is not uncommon in the IT field — we have a fast-paced rhythm, and when you work in the same professional area, you find like-minded people faster. Shared interests, conversations, and hobbies all came together naturally.

Alia. I am the Head of the Information Security Tools Research Laboratory at the State Technical Service JSC, a mother, and a wife.

How we entered the IT field

Alia. I came to IT out of a genuine interest in how processes work and how they can be improved. Initially, my career began in the aerospace industry — I was an engineer, building processes in science. Gradually, this passion evolved into a different field.

Today, I lead the development department in the field of information security. I mainly work in the office, and my husband and I have the same schedule. We engage in various types of work, so there is always something to discuss and gossip about.

Askar. It all started with a passion for computers and information security. I was always interested in how systems work and how they can be protected. Gradually, this passion turned into a profession. Currently, I lead the Center, and my work is primarily on-site — the specifics of security require a high level of access and constant work with the team.

Distribution of responsibilities

Alia. In our family, we have built a kind of "flexible architecture" for household matters. Askar traditionally handles the technical side — from infrastructure to everything related to security, even at home. I handle the organization of family processes. Our daughter actively contributes her own initiatives in the form of new "projects" — whether it's building a house out of pillows or coming up with a new menu for Sunday breakfast.

Askar. In our free time, we love walking together and spending active time: bicycles, rollerblades, walking, at home — assembling constructors or just watching something as a family.

Family traditions

Alia. Our traditions are primarily shared breakfasts every day and evening walks. We try to pay attention to quality communication — not in a chat, but in person.

Askar. Our values include mutual respect for each other, for each other's hobbies, including our child's. It is important to us that there is always a warm atmosphere at home where everyone feels heard.

Combining household and work

Alia. Sometimes it is not easy: there are periods when we both have "burning deadlines." But we know how to adjust to such moments. Mutual understanding helps: both of us know what an urgent task means. Also, the ability to plan and support each other. But sometimes we do not follow plans and act on our daughter's intuition. And all this helps find a balance between profession and family.

Recommendations for a happy family life

— respect each other's individuality — both in life and in profession
— learn to listen not only to "what" but also to "why" your partner is saying
— do not be afraid to change together with life
— find time for shared joys, even in a tight schedule
— and, of course, humor — it saves in any situation.

How IT families differ from others

Askar and Alia. IT families better understand each other's work specifics: the need to focus, sometimes work in the evening, or urgently "fix" something. We have a common professional base, but at the same time, we complement each other.

The peculiarity of our family is that we know how to build processes — both work and family — with respect and ease, not forgetting that the main thing in any "system" is living people. Otherwise, we are an ordinary family, just with a slight technological inclination and a couple of extra computers at home.