Publications

In the course of 2013, Iran became one of the key players in the international cyber warfare theater. This development is a result of both defensive and offensive cyber force buildup processes and a measured relaxation of restraints on the part of Iranian decision makers with respect to offensive activity in cyberspace. Indeed, the Iranian activity points to major qualitative advances in Iran’s technological and operational cyber capabilities. This article examines the activity and progress in Iran’s cyber defense system, and the regime’s use of this capability to restrain internal opposition. In addition, it looks at the offensive dimension, particularly cyber-attacks traced to Iranian agencies, agents, and allies.