Electronic security has become a key battlefield in modern global conflicts

In recent years, terms like “electronic security” and “cybersecurity” have often been highlighted in analyses focused on emerging global crises. How extensive is this threat?

First, I must emphasize that electronic security is not inherently a threat — rather, it is an instrument for removing threats. If its implementation is neglected or compromised, then it can indeed become a source of danger. When approached properly, with the right enhancement tools in place, electronic security becomes an opportunity creator. Therefore, we should not adopt a threat-centered perspective toward this dynamic field.

Today, wars are no longer confined to physical borders. Battlefronts have expanded into the digital realm, bringing forth new types of threats in electronic security. This domain — a set of measures, technologies, processes, and policies to safeguard computer systems, networks, data, and all information assets against attacks, unauthorized access, destruction, theft, or disruption — has taken on exceptional importance.

In an era where everyday life, the economy, critical infrastructure, communications, and even national security are deeply dependent on information and communication technology, establishing and maintaining electronic security is no longer optional — it is a vital necessity.

Electronic security is not limited to cybersecurity; it extends to protecting the electronic infrastructure essential to human life. A common misconception is that its beneficiaries are only high-value targets like sensitive government agencies, banks, or cyber-infrastructure. In reality, for years now, every business — and indeed every individual — has required electronic security.

Given this vast scope, doesn’t electronic security naturally become too complex, lacking a standardized approach for managing collective security?

I agree with part of your question: electronic security is not a simple equation, and its complexity is undeniable. However, specialized and inclusive management can turn this complexity into a positive trait.

Electronic security is a multi-faceted concept whose main goal is to ensure both physical security and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and systems. These pillars form the backbone of any electronic security strategy. It is our approach and management that determine whether electronic security becomes an asset or a liability.

Security that safeguards data, facilities, and infrastructure systems across industrial, service, and other sectors is inherently desirable and threat-reducing. In practical terms, sensitive systems and facilities must only be accessible to authorized individuals, entities, or processes before, during, and after crises — while preventing the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive, personal, commercial, or governmental information.

Breach of confidentiality can result in identity theft, corporate espionage, or the leakage of classified military data. Integrity means that data must remain accurate, complete, and unaltered. Availability refers to ensuring that information circulates efficiently within a secure framework, enabling timely operations and service delivery.

Electronic security is therefore not merely a technical issue or a matter for technology companies — it is a national strategic imperative with both domestic and international ramifications.

In recent years, we have seen large-scale cyberattacks around the world that have disrupted — and in some cases crippled — businesses and governments. How do you assess the importance of protecting critical infrastructure in this context?

Cyber threats — one subset of the broader domain of electronic security — specifically target the three pillars mentioned earlier: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Many essential infrastructures — the backbone of modern society — depend heavily on physical security, information systems, and computer networks. Examples include:

• Energy Networks: Power plants, electricity grids, and oil & gas facilities. A breach here can trigger widespread blackouts, disrupt energy production, and cause massive economic losses.
• Transportation Systems: Air traffic control, railways, train and aircraft navigation, and urban traffic management. Disruptions caused by cyberattacks or system failures can lead to severe consequences.
• Financial Systems: Banks, currency exchanges, and stock markets. Any disruption can destroy public trust, spark economic crises, and facilitate the theft of vast sums.
• Other Vital Services: Water and sewage systems, healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, electronic health records), telecommunications, internet, and mass media.

The audience for such systems is essentially everyone on Earth. Therefore, a comprehensive, multi-dimensional management approach is essential when dealing with electronic security.

Over the years, we’ve seen the emergence of new economic and commercial structures. How does electronic security help stabilize, strengthen, and even reinvent these structures in line with modern needs?

The question speaks for itself. In both the global and national economy, safeguarding structural integrity is crucial. These structures have both foundational and operational dimensions — and the absence of electronic security threatens both.

Modern economies are heavily reliant on security, data, and communications. Weakness or negligence in electronic security directly undermines a country’s economic health — and its effects extend far beyond the economy itself.

Wealth is highly sensitive to security; without it, no wealth can be generated. This is why countries — including Iran’s neighbors such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia — have adopted mechanisms similar to Iran’s SEPATAM system (the Standard Compliance Gateway for surveillance systems in public and commercial premises) to ensure the proper functioning of surveillance equipment.

The theft of trade secrets and intellectual property is now a major global concern. If information about new products, marketing strategies, manufacturing formulas, or technological innovations is leaked due to poor electronic security, companies will lose their competitive edge. Cyberattacks can also disrupt e-commerce websites, payment systems, and distribution networks, causing serious financial harm.

Electronic attacks can even manipulate stock prices, currency exchange rates, or spread false information to influence financial markets — misleading both professional and public investors.

Beyond cybersecurity, the use of efficient, standardized electronic surveillance systems plays a crucial role in business continuity, resilience, public safety, and even counterterrorism. Fire alarm and suppression systems protect citizens’ property from devastation. Access control systems prevent unauthorized entry. Vehicle access control systems deter terrorist activity and aid in traffic management. Anti-drone defense systems are becoming increasingly essential worldwide.

These examples represent only a fraction of the vast field where proper deployment of electronic security systems is vital to the economy, commerce, and society as a whole.

You noted that electronic security concerns everyone globally. How do you assess its role in protecting citizens’ rights?

Safeguarding citizens’ rights and privacy in a digitally-driven world is both essential and urgent. Personal information is one of the most valuable assets a person can own.

This includes identity, health, financial, employment, and personal communication data — stored in government systems (civil registry, social security, health ministry) and private databases. Unauthorized access can lead to identity theft, fraud, financial abuse, and psychological or social harm.

Disruption to electronic security can cause large-scale interruptions in daily life, fueling public dissatisfaction, mistrust, and social instability.

Beyond cybersecurity, electronic security systems such as Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), CCTV, and access control platforms collect vast amounts of data — all of which carry significant implications for citizens’ rights.

Are the methods and models for ensuring electronic security fixed, or do they depend on the national and territorial characteristics of a country?

Electronic security is dynamic and adaptable. While its foundational principles remain constant, the tools, methods, and tactics vary across countries, regions, organizations, and institutions.

As physical and cyber threats grow more complex and widespread, relying solely on rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches are not only inadequate but can increase vulnerability.

Developing domestic capabilities in electronic security is strategically crucial for national independence and self-sufficiency. Overreliance on foreign technologies exposes a country to economic pressure and technical restrictions that may conflict with national interests. In times of international tension, access to technical support, updates, or even systems themselves may be cut off.

Indigenous development allows nations to maintain full control over their security architecture, system functionality, and the handling of sensitive data. Moreover, localized solutions can address the unique cultural, social, economic, and geographical threat landscape of each country.

Domestic teams can respond faster to emerging threats that have specific local impact, tailoring defensive measures accordingly. Local developers can also quickly adapt methods and tactics to evolving needs or changing system configurations.