The Iran-Saudi Cyber Conflict

Abstract

Cyber conflict is a factor in modern politics. There is often a synergy between historical political issues and current cyber conflicts. Saudi Arabia and Iran have a long-standing mutual animosity that is now being expressed via cyber operations. This study provides a context for current cyber conflicts between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran. The political history of both countries is briefly explored. Then specific cyber incidents are examined within that existing political conflict. The current state of affairs between Saudi Arabia and Iran can best be described as a cyber cold war. This study provides both current cyber incidents as well as the political and historical context in which these incidents occur. The history of the modern states of Iran and Saudi Arabia provide a context for the political strife between the two countries.