Iran’s Cyber Capability: A Modern Threat to the U.S.

In recent years, the nature of warfare and conflict has drastically evolved. Today, the battlefield extends beyond land — it includes cyberspace, servers, and industrial systems. Iran’s growing cyber capability is increasingly worrying global experts, especially in light of rising tensions with the United States.

Cyber Forces: Iran’s New Weapon
After the U.S. and Israel deployed the Stuxnet virus in the mid-2000s to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran began to seriously invest in cyber defenses. Fifteen years later, Iran has established itself as a formidable force in digital warfare.

Iran’s cyber army has launched several large-scale attacks. In 2012, it disrupted over 30,000 computers at Saudi Aramco, cutting the country’s oil production by half. In 2014, it targeted Sands Casino, owned by a pro-Israel American billionaire.

Responding via Cyberattacks
Following the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, experts believe Iran may retaliate via cyberattacks. This strategy allows Iran to apply pressure without direct military engagement — an approach well-suited to its current limitations.

Although no attacks have yet been reported, U.S. officials are on alert. Potential threats include website defacements, denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and espionage.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has warned that pro-Iranian hacktivists — seemingly independent but linked to Tehran — could disrupt American websites. These attacks are not just technical; they are psychological, aimed at showcasing a “response” and boosting morale domestically.

This suggests Iran may bide its time, observing and analyzing before responding — possibly through a lone-wolf attacker.

A Lesson for Uzbekistan: The Relevance of Cybersecurity
The Iran-U.S. cyber tension offers a valuable lesson for countries like Uzbekistan. In today’s world, cybersecurity is a national priority. Infrastructure, governance, energy systems, and social networks — all are vulnerable.

Uzbekistan must strengthen its cyber defense, train specialists, and learn from international experience to protect itself in the digital domain. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!