"Pouyan" Initiative Launched to Safeguard Iran’s Cybersecurity Industry

With the aim of supporting stakeholders within Iran’s cybersecurity ecosystem and enhancing professional awareness and technical capabilities, the national initiative “Pouyan” was officially launched at a gathering of managers, experts, and private sector companies active in the cyber defense (AFTA) domain.

According to the Strategic Management Center of AFTA, Pouyan focuses on developing standardized cybersecurity educational content and providing it to licensed training institutions in order to strengthen human capital across the private sector’s cyber ecosystem.

Ali Norouz‑zadeh, head of the Strategic Management Center of AFTA, stated during the inauguration ceremony: The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that all private sector professionals working in the field of cybersecurity receive unified and professional training so they can play an effective role in strengthening the security of national infrastructures.

He noted that the issuance of AFTA licenses in November had increased fourfold compared with the same period last year, adding: The government’s trust in the private sector is undeniable. Achieving sustainable national cybersecurity is only possible through close cooperation between government bodies and private entities.

Norouz‑zadeh described Pouyan as a serious step toward addressing concerns surrounding private sector access to critical infrastructure data, emphasizing that the program helps experts understand their responsibilities and challenges more comprehensively.

Empowering Local Cyber Industry

He further underscored the need to reduce dependence on foreign products, stating: Iran’s overarching policy is to promote domestic production and use of indigenous cybersecurity solutions. Local AFTA industries must increasingly replace their foreign counterparts.

In another address, Mohsen Pasha, Deputy Head for Security at the National Center for Cyberspace, highlighted a key budgetary requirement: According to the national budget law, all organizations and agencies are obliged to allocate one percent of their assets to cybersecurity expenditures. This requires strong private sector participation in implementing related projects.”

Pasha also announced the establishment of a Cyber Insurance System as a major step toward protecting the country’s digital assets, confirming that dedicated funding will be included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

Continuing the session, Hakim Javadi, President of the Iranian ICT Guild Organization (NASHR), pointed out the need for greater focus on training and empowerment across the cybersecurity workforce, stating: Private educational and consulting companies should play a stronger role in improving the nation’s cyber resilience. The government’s confidence in the private sector is a valuable opportunity—one we must justify through reliable and forward‑thinking performance.

Source

 AFTA