The New Cyber Defense Structure with Security Operators

In a strategic response to the rise of digital threats, Iran’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched a plan to establish security operators in partnership with the private sector a move aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled personnel and decentralizing government‑centric cybersecurity.

As data security becomes the Achilles’ heel of global digital development, the Ministry has adopted a new strategy to safeguard the country’s information assets. Experts and government officials have reached a consensus that the state alone cannot repel all sophisticated cyberattacks, and that the time has come for the private sector to enter the field as a powerful operational arm.

A Paradigm Shift Toward the Private Sector

Seyed Sattar Hashemi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that expanding the country’s communication infrastructure must be accompanied by strengthening security layers. Stressing that the protection of citizens’ data and digital services is a red line for the Ministry, he announced the creation of “security operators” in the private sector as one of its most serious initiatives.

This approach is based on the belief that while the government is responsible for policymaking and oversight of sensitive data—such as medical, identity, and financial information—the agility and expertise needed to counter hackers and malicious cyber actors are found within the private‑sector ecosystem.

Alarming Statistics and the Need for Urgent Action

Official reports confirm the necessity of this shift. Data from this spring indicates that the country’s networks faced 2,313 cyberattacks per day. Recent cyber conflicts and major security incidents over the past five years have exposed vulnerabilities caused by a shortage of skilled personnel and outdated processes.

A National Drive to Train 10,000 Cyber Officers

Alongside building new structures, the human‑resource crisis has also moved to the forefront. The Vice‑Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge‑Based Economy, in cooperation with the National Cyberspace Security Authority (AFTA) and the Ministry of Communications, has launched a national initiative called “Secure Cyber Horizon.”

Hossein Afshin, Deputy for Science and Technology in the Vice‑Presidency, announced that the goal is to train 10,000 specialists within two years.

Criticizing the gap between university education and market needs, he emphasized: “Students must be trained in real environments and specialized labs so they can ensure the country’s cyber security as the experts of the future.”

Implementing the Seventh Development Plan

The head of Iran’s Information Technology Organization also highlighted the legal obligations, noting that the establishment of cybersecurity operators is explicitly mandated in the Seventh Development Plan, and announced that calls for private‑sector participation will be issued soon.

With the inclusion of private actors and the modernization of security processes, the country is now on the brink of transitioning from a fully government‑centric cybersecurity model to a more collaborative and specialized one—enhancing resilience against the powerful waves of digital attacks.