Cairo
Source: Al-Wafd Newspaper
Prof. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri
In an era of accelerating digital transformation and where geopolitical interests intersect with the pursuit of technological supremacy, cybersecurity in the Arab world has become a cornerstone of national sovereignty and a vital component of its development. Technology has become the new arena of conflict, where covert wars are waged and global power dynamics are reshaped. At the heart of this complex landscape, the Arab region faces a rising tide of cyber threats that transcend mere technical breaches, striking at the very core of its informational and political independence.
The nature of these threats lies in their diverse tools and sources, ranging from spyware used by Western intelligence agencies, such as the Pegasus program, to attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the energy and communications sectors. They also manifest in information warfare, which relies on spreading disinformation and manipulating public opinion to serve foreign interests. While some may consider these practices random, they are more likely part of long-term strategies aimed at penetrating Arab collective consciousness, controlling national decision-making processes, and dominating the region’s digital space. We must recognize that today’s battles are fought with data and information, and with the ability to access the secrets of nations and their vital institutions.
However, the practical reality reveals that Arab cybersecurity faces deep structural challenges. Weak technological infrastructure in many countries makes them more vulnerable to hacking, while a shortage of specialized local expertise exacerbates the fragility of digital defenses. Furthermore, the lack of regional coordination and the duplication of national policies hinder the formation of a unified front capable of countering cross-border threats. Added to this is the excessive reliance on foreign software and technologies, which may contain hidden vulnerabilities that allow for espionage or remote control, rendering Arab digital security dependent on the will of others rather than its own.
However, these challenges simultaneously open a window for rethinking the concept of sovereignty in the data age. Instead of relying on imported solutions, the Arab world can develop its digital systems based on its local human resources, through investment in scientific research and technological innovation. Furthermore, building modern legal frameworks capable of addressing cybercrime and closing legislative gaps has become an urgent necessity. In addition, raising public awareness of the risks of cyberspace is the first line of defense against breaches, as security begins with awareness before it is achieved through technology.
In light of all this, there is a pressing need for a new Arab vision that recognizes that conflicts in the 21st century are no longer about geographical borders, but rather about information space, where power is forged and wills are tested. Countries that control their cybersecurity control their future, while those that remain technologically dependent will remain vulnerable, regardless of their military or economic strength. Building an independent Arab cybersecurity system is the cornerstone for repositioning Arab states in the international digital landscape.
