Cyber Security As A New Strategic Issue in the Middle East: A Case Study of Persian Gulf and North African Countries

Abstract

In this paper, cyber security as a new strategy in the countries of the Persian Gulf and North Africa has been investigated. In this regard, the most important cyber-attacks carried out in these areas have been identified and classified. Accordingly, Phishing, Denial of service, Man-in-the-middle, Day-Zero and Backdoors have been identified as the most dangerous cyber-attacks in these areas. The impact of social media and the Internet on Islamic awakening, the attack of the Stuxnet virus to counter Iran's cyber capabilities through cooperation with the countries of the Persian Gulf can be considered as one of the most important reasons for the attention of the countries of the Persian Gulf to cyber security. In addition, China, Russia, and the United States have had the greatest foreign influence and intervention in cyber security in the Middle East. Among North African countries, Tunisia can be considered the most advanced country in the field of cyber security. Legislation, standards and policy and training of end users can be considered the most important actions of North African countries to deal with threats and cyber-attacks. While in the Persian Gulf countries, cyber surveillance of non-state actors and cyber laws are the most important actions taken.