Cybersecurity is increasingly shaped by global politics. Armed conflicts, economic sanctions, trade restrictions, and competition over advanced technologies are pushing countries to use digital operations as tools of state power. Cyber activity allows governments to disrupt rivals quietly, without deploying traditional military force, making it an attractive option during periods of heightened tension.
This development has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety. A large share of technology leaders fear that advanced cyber capabilities developed by governments could escalate into wider cyber conflict. If that happens, systems that support everyday life, such as electricity, water supply, and transport networks, are expected to face the greatest exposure.
Recent events have shown how damaging infrastructure failures can be. A widespread power outage across parts of the Iberian Peninsula was not caused by a cyber incident, but it demonstrated how quickly modern societies are affected when essential services fail. Similar disruptions caused deliberately through cyber means could have even more severe consequences.
There have also been rare public references to cyber tools being used during political or military operations. In one instance, U.S. leadership suggested that cyber capabilities were involved in disrupting electricity in Caracas during an operation targeting Venezuela’s leadership. Such actions raise concerns because disabling utilities affects civilians as much as strategic targets.
Across Europe, multiple incidents have reinforced these fears. Security agencies have reported attempts to interfere with energy infrastructure, including dams and national power grids. In one case, unauthorized control of a water facility allowed water to flow unchecked for several hours before detection. In another, a country narrowly avoided a major blackout after suspicious activity targeted its electricity network. Analysts often view these incidents against the backdrop of Europe’s political and military support for Ukraine, which has been followed by increased tension with Moscow and a rise in hybrid tactics, including cyber activity and disinformation.
Experts remain uncertain about the readiness of smart infrastructure to withstand complex cyber operations. Past attacks on power grids, particularly in Eastern Europe, are frequently cited as warnings. Those incidents showed how coordinated intrusions could interrupt electricity for millions of people within a short period.
Beyond physical systems, the information space has also become a battleground. Disinformation campaigns are evolving rapidly, with artificial intelligence enabling the fast creation of convincing false images and videos. During politically sensitive moments, misleading content can spread online within hours, shaping public perception before facts are confirmed.
Such tactics are used by states, political groups, and other actors to influence opinion, create confusion, and deepen social divisions. From Eastern Europe to East Asia, information manipulation has become a routine feature of modern conflict.
In Iran, ongoing protests have been accompanied by tighter control over internet access. Authorities have restricted connectivity and filtered traffic, limiting access to independent information. While official channels remain active, these measures create conditions where manipulated narratives can circulate more easily. Reports of satellite internet shutdowns were later contradicted by evidence that some services remained available.
Different countries engage in cyber activity in distinct ways. Russia is frequently associated with ransomware ecosystems, though direct state involvement is difficult to prove. Iran has used cyber operations alongside political pressure, targeting institutions and infrastructure. North Korea combines cyber espionage with financially motivated attacks, including cryptocurrency theft. China is most often linked to long-term intelligence gathering and access to sensitive data rather than immediate disruption.
As these threats manifest into serious matters of concern, cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as an issue of national control. Governments and organizations are reassessing reliance on foreign technology and cloud services due to legal, data protection, and supply chain concerns. This shift is already influencing infrastructure decisions and is expected to play a central role in security planning as global instability continues into 2026.
