Arabic version: ظهور الحرب السيبرانية كعنصر رئيسي في الصراع مع إيران
The ongoing conflict involving Iran has highlighted the significant role of cyber warfare, as both the United States and Israel utilize advanced cyber operations alongside traditional military tactics. According to BBC News, Iranian hackers recently targeted US medical technology firm Stryker in a prominent cyber-attack, marking a notable escalation in the cyber domain during the conflict.
US Central Command has been openly sharing details about military operations, but has been notably quiet on cyber activities. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command, acknowledged the importance of cyber operations, stating, “We continue with strikes into Iran from seabed to space and cyber-space.” This indicates that cyber capabilities are being integrated into broader military strategies.
Cyber-espionage has been a critical component in preparing for military strikes, with General Dan Caine of the Pentagon noting that extensive planning has been necessary to identify key targets. Reports suggest that US and Israeli hackers may have infiltrated Iranian networks well before any military action was initiated, focusing on critical infrastructure such as air defense systems and military communications.
The use of cyber tactics appears to be a force multiplier, providing real-time intelligence and disrupting Iranian military operations. General Caine described US Cyber Command and US Space Command as the “first movers,” indicating their role in blinding Iran’s communication capabilities during the conflict. This tactic is believed to have included jamming mobile phone towers to prevent timely warnings to Iranian leaders.
Despite the aggressive cyber posture from the US and Israel, Iran’s response in the cyber realm has been relatively muted. The Stryker incident is the most notable attack attributed to Iranian hackers thus far, raising questions about Iran’s current cyber capabilities. While Iran has a history of significant cyber operations, the lack of a robust retaliatory response could indicate either a strategic restraint or a diminished operational capacity due to prior strikes.
The evolving nature of cyber warfare in this conflict underscores the need for a public discourse on its implications for modern military engagements. Experts argue that acknowledging cyber operations as integral to military strategy can help clarify rules of engagement and the legal frameworks governing warfare.
