Cyber threats and their impact on Iran's security strategy

Abstract

Technological developments have influenced the nature of security threats, giving rise to new forms—most notably cyber threats—which pose significant risks to the national security of all states. This has prompted the strengthening of capacity-building processes across all domains of national security in general, and cybersecurity in particular. Among the most vital measures undertaken by states in this context is the formulation and development of national cybersecurity strategies.

The escalating cyber threats facing Iran post-2010 have led to the development of a comprehensive security strategy that integrates the cyber dimension as a core pillar of the Iranian national security apparatus. Cyberattacks targeting the Iranian nuclear program, security and auxiliary institutions, as well as political, military, and scientific leadership, have accelerated the development of Iran's defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Iran adopts an integrated strategy to counter cyber threats, combining preventive and deterrent measures against the primary sources of threats directed at it, namely the United States and the Zionist entity. Furthermore, as cyber threats emanating from the United States and the Zionist entity increase, Iran continuously refines and develops its cybersecurity strategy.