Iran may prioritise cyber espionage, not attack

Significance

Before the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement, many observers expected Tehran to increase its use of asymmetric capabilities, especially cyber tools, in retaliation. This would affect not only the prospects for the deal itself, but also cybersecurity risks to companies and governments regionally and worldwide.

Impacts

• Iran will still allocate significant resources to its maturing offensive cyber capabilities.
• Top espionage targets will include European and US universities and defence sectors, as well as other sectors hit by sanctions.
• As part of their multi-pronged diplomatic and economic campaign against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv may look at new cyber options.