Researchers and policymakers are tracing the growing role of cyber conflict in the Middle East, as regional relations, natural security, and defense hang in the balance. One important point to discuss is how political tensions from previous decades between governments and other entities in the region naturally relocate to cyberspace, with different manifestations and results. The landscape is made unique by the fact that a large variety of players, each with their own distinct resources, goals, and incentives, are now involved. The landscape is also very volatile, and countries with the greatest target on their backs include those such as Saudia Arabia, who are seeing large-scale growth in an increasingly digitized economy, are conducting infrastructure projects, and have large populations.
Another development unique to the region is the development of the “cyber mercenary” market, as states hire 3rd party hackers to conduct espionage for them.
Experts note that it is crucial to pay attention to policy responses by government entities specifically in the case of cyberwar and attacks. Governments should increase their efforts to prepare for such attacks as they continue to grow in frequency and capacity for damage. As the cyber threats grow, they enter the set of available options for states to use in reaching geopolitical supremacy.
