The Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi stressed that cybersecurity is one of the foremost priorities and announced formation of a joint committee with the Parliament to address its executive and legislative aspects.
"As systems continue to grow and develop, the
enhancement of cybersecurity must likewise remain a continuous priority. Cybersecurity
is not confined to wartime conditions,” he said.
He made the remarks in a meeting on Tuesday with members of
the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy.
"Cyber defense is a continuous process that is pursued
on an ongoing basis. In light of the reports presented regarding the
vulnerabilities of various institutions—particularly in the banking sector—a
shared concern exists between the ICT Ministry and the National Security Committee,”
Hashemi added.
"Accordingly, it was decided that a joint committee
comprising experts from the ICDT Ministry and members of the National Security Committee
will be established to examine and follow up on cybersecurity issues in both
the executive and legislative sectors on a phased basis."
The ICT Minister further stated that cyber warfare is an
ongoing reality.
"Reports in this field are prepared on the basis of
factual findings and, in accordance with the law, are submitted to the National
Cyberspace Center,” he said, “The ICT Ministry is prepared to provide these
reports to the Parliament so that it can make use of its oversight
capacities."
Communications Resilience and Countering Cyberattacks
Referring to the performance of the country's communications
network during the Israeli-US imposed war against Iran, the Minister stated, "The
resilience of communications was the result of cooperation among the
government, the private sector, and the country's governing institutions.”
“Despite damage to more than 500 communications sites, the
public did not experience any noticeable disruption in communications services.
None of the services dependent on the communications network was interrupted.”
At the same time, Hashemi added, extensive cyberattacks
aimed at penetrating the country's infrastructure and systems were successfully
repelled.
Development of Space Industry
The ICT Minister described the space industry as one of the
country's strategic sectors.
"Despite the damage inflicted on part of this
industry's infrastructure during the war, planning will continue for the
enhancement of space services and the strengthening of the country's
capabilities under the leadership of the ICT Ministry and in coordination with
the National Security Committee."
He also announced an expansion of international cooperation
in the field of cybersecurity.
"Countries in the region, as well as other countries,
have expressed interest in cooperating with Iran in the areas of hardware and
software products,” he stated.