Cyber Espionage, Cyber Warfare and Cyber Defense in Comparison: When discussing cyber power in the Middle East, Israel and Iran inevitably stand at the center of any serious analysis. Both states have systematically developed significant cyber capabilities over the past two decades, yet they pursue them under very different conditions, with distinct strategic objectives and with varying levels of technological integration.
Israel: Historical Legacy Meets High-Tech Precision
Israel has established itself as one of the world’s leading cyber nations. This is no coincidence: since its founding, the country has relied heavily on technological superiority in all areas of national security. Over the years, this approach has given rise to a dense network of state and private actors who jointly develop and apply digital tools for intelligence gathering, active defense, and offensive operations.
Particularly well-known is Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, which coordinates national cyber defense and promotes technological advancement. Numerous start-ups and global security companies have their roots in the Israeli ecosystem. Units like the legendary Unit 8200 are considered forerunners in the fields of signals intelligence and hacking techniques.
Examples of Israel’s cyber capabilities repeatedly make headlines: from the Stuxnet malware, developed with the help of the USA, which sabotaged Iranian nuclear centrifuges, to constant defensive actions against attempted intrusions into critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, Israel relies on close cooperation with allies and the private sector to maintain its technological edge.
Iran: Asymmetry and the Pursuit of Deterrence
Iran, on the other hand, has built its cyber force under conditions of sanctions, economic isolation, and international pressure. Its goal: to compensate for conventional military disadvantages and to achieve a form of deterrence through asymmetric means.
Iranian hacker groups, often linked to state institutions like the Revolutionary Guards, have made a name for themselves through disruptive attacks and espionage campaigns — not only regionally but worldwide. They are suspected of being behind attacks on foreign oil companies, attempts to influence elections abroad, and systematic infiltration of dissident networks.
These operations show a clear pattern: Tehran relies on offensive cyber actions both to gather information and to send political messages or cause economic damage to opponents. At the same time, Iran invests in building domestic expertise to reduce dependence on foreign technology.
Cyber Conflict: A Quiet but Constant Struggle
The rivalry between Israel and Iran in cyberspace is a textbook example of modern hybrid conflict. Both states use digital means to project power, secure national interests, and weaken opponents without risking open war. The battlefield is global: from local sabotage to strategic surveillance of adversaries’ IT infrastructure and supply chains.
This ongoing digital struggle is complemented by constant efforts to protect one’s own systems. Both nations face the challenge of defending critical infrastructures against each other’s attacks and from third parties. This creates an arms race of tools, knowledge, and tactics that is constantly evolving.

In view of my work in the field of cybercrime & cybersecurity, I also deal with the topics of international hacking, cyberwar & disinformation out of my own interest. For years, I have spent a lot of time reading freely available research papers and dossiers, for example from ETH Zurich, BfVS, BND & other ministries – but also from the CIA, EU Parliament & NATO. I am by no means an expert, the articles here on the website, especially in the context of “International Hacking” and “Cyberwar”, are simply the result of the working methods described.
Note: In my professional publication “Cyberwar, Hackbacks und Disinformation – Juristische und technische Implikationen unklarer Begriffe”, published by Juris in AnwZert ITR 3/2025, I get to the bottom of the issues surrounding cyberwar from a legal perspective.
Known Groups and Operations
On the Israeli side, groups like Unit 8200 and the companies and start-ups that grow out of it are frequently named. They focus not only on espionage but also on the development of cutting-edge security solutions for the civilian sector.
On the Iranian side, well-known groups include APT33, APT34 (OilRig), and APT35 (Charming Kitten). These actors repeatedly attract attention through phishing campaigns, supply chain attacks, and infiltration of diplomatic and economic targets.
State hackers at a glance
The most significant international actors include state actors from Russia, China and Iran. These countries use various tactics to promote their geopolitical interests and undermine the stability of European democracies. At this point, it should be recognized that cyber diplomacy, which has been underestimated to date, is also of particular importance.
In addition to the main actors named below, there are also other countries and non-state actors that attempt to influence elections in Europe. These include, for example, groups acting on behalf of governments or in their own interests to advance certain political agendas. These actors use a variety of methods, including cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure and diplomatic maneuvers to achieve their goals. The European Union and its Member States face the challenge of recognizing and countering these threats in order to protect the integrity of their democratic processes. In the meantime, we have also published a separate article on Israel’s cyber capabilities.
Russia
Russia is known for its extensive disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks aimed at weakening trust in democratic processes. Some of the best-known examples include influencing the 2016 US elections and attempts to influence the Brexit vote. Russian actors often use social media platforms to spread false information and deepen social divisions.
China
China is increasingly relying on cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to expand its influence in Europe. Chinese hacker groups are known for conducting industrial espionage and stealing sensitive information that can then be used to influence political decisions. China is also trying to manipulate public opinion in Europe by spreading pro-Chinese narratives in the media.
Iran
Iranian actors also use disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks to pursue their geopolitical goals. These campaigns are often aimed at destabilizing the policies of the US and its allies in Europe. Iranian hacker groups use similar techniques to their Russian and Chinese counterparts.
North Korea
North Korea is another international actor trying to influence elections and political processes worldwide, including in Europe, through cyber activities. While North Korea is less of a focus compared to Russia, China and Iran, there is still significant activity emanating from North Korean actors. North Korea also uses disinformation to further its geopolitical goals and foment political unrest. While there are fewer documented cases of direct election interference by North Korea, the regime still uses cyber operations to exert political pressure and protect its interests, for example by publishing compromising information about political candidates or spreading propaganda.
Conclusion: The Fragile Balance in Cyberspace
Both Israel and Iran have understood that control over information and digital infrastructure can decide security policy conflicts. While Israel relies on close integration with Western partners and an innovation-driven private sector, Iran pursues a strategy of resilience and disruptive operations.
For international companies, governments, and security experts, this means that cyberspace in the Middle East remains an extremely sensitive theater — where geopolitical tensions can instantly escalate into digital conflict.
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- Israel and Iran: Cyber Espionage, Cyber Warfare and Cyber Defense in Comparison - 19. June 2025
- Israel: Cyber Espionage, Cyber Warfare and Cybersecurity - 19. June 2025