Cybersecurity and Peacebuilding in Lebanon: A Digital Battleground for Stability
Lebanon is currently navigating through a period of extreme instability in times of war. The roots of these challenges lie in the residues of past conflicts, as the country has long been a target of internal, regional, and international strife. This chaotic environment calls for innovative solutions to promote long-term peacebuilding, and surprisingly, one of the most vital yet underexplored tools in this effort is cybersecurity. But why is it relevant, especially now?
The need for cybersecurity in Lebanon today can be broken down into three main layers:
1. The Internal Political Divide: Lebanon has struggled with internal divisions for years, with deep political and religious sectarianism. Cybersecurity can play a role in fostering transparency and building trust among the different Lebanese communities.
2. The Refugees and Forcibly Displayed Population: With millions of refugees from Syria and Palestine now residing in Lebanon, and hundreds of thousand internally displaced due to Israeli attacks on the country, tensions are high, and the already fragile infrastructure is under immense strain. Cybersecurity can help reduce the risk of exploitation and violence against these vulnerable populations.
3. Lebanon's Role in Regional and International Conflicts: As a small but strategically located country, Lebanon is increasingly caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts. Cyberattacks from foreign adversaries are escalating, putting civilian data and infrastructure at risk.
Let’s delve deeper into these issues and see how cybersecurity can become a pivotal element in Lebanon’s peacebuilding strategy.
Internal Tensions and Political Deadlock
Lebanon’s internal political landscape is in a state of paralysis, with the country functioning under a caretaker government after being without a president for over a year due to unresolved political deadlock. Adding fuel to the fire is the economic depression and widespread corruption among the ruling elites, which has only amplified feelings of helplessness.
A critical example of how cybersecurity is relevant to this internal conflict occurred in January 2024, when Lebanon’s only international airport, Beirut Rafic Al Hariri International Airport, was hacked. Screens across the airport displayed anti-Hezbollah messages, creating further divisions among Lebanese communities. The attack prompted suspicions that it was an attempt to stoke sectarian tensions (Hamadi, 2024).
This attack, while not confirmed as the work of Israel, is believed to have been an advanced cyber operation that could only be executed by a well-trained group (Hamadi, 2024). Such cyber incidents erode the trust of Lebanese citizens in their government’s ability to protect them. This highlights the urgent need for an institutionalized cybersecurity strategy to reduce political fragmentation and protect sensitive infrastructure.
The Refugees, Forcibly Displaced People, and Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Lebanon's unique sectarian divisions are both a source of strength and a stumbling block in national unity. As Lebanon has absorbed millions of refugees, primarily from Syria (around 1.5 million) and Palestine (around 300,000), the pressure on the country’s infrastructure has been mounting, especially with the increasing number of displaced people due to Israeli aggressions. This has led to growing resentment and political division, especially as some political factions use the refugee issue to galvanize support (Cherri et al., 2016).
But beyond the physical strain on Lebanon's resources, there is an often-overlooked digital vulnerability. The increasing population and high usage of outdated telecommunications infrastructure can lead to cyber vulnerabilities. Frequent power cuts, antiquated systems, and a lack of cybersecurity awareness create the perfect storm for a breakdown in national digital security (M. Achkar Jabbour, personal communication, March 11, 2024). The more digital traffic from residents and refugees that floods these weak systems, the greater the risk of system failures, which could have devastating consequences—akin to a cyberattack.
Lebanon and Regional Conflicts: A Cyber Target
Lebanon’s geolocation places it squarely at the heart of multiple regional conflicts, particularly its ongoing tensions with Israel. Since October 2023, southern Lebanon has become one of the most active fronts against the Israeli military, with escalations in both the Gaza Strip and West Bank (Verdeil et al., 2019).
Cyberattacks have not been spared in this regional conflict. In 2024, Lebanon's government websites, including the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Parliament's site, were hacked in a series of cyberattacks. These incidents coincide with the growing threat of a wider war in the region and underline the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and civilian data (Hamadi, 2024).
One of the most alarming developments occurred with Lebanon's sole internet provider, OGERO, which was targeted in a 10-day cyberattack that significantly weakened the country's already frail digital infrastructure (Prentis & Homsi, 2024). While the origins of the attacks remain unclear, experts suggest that data theft for espionage purposes may have been the goal. In a country already suffering from severe economic and political crises, these cyberattacks only exacerbate tensions, making it more urgent for Lebanon to establish a robust cybersecurity framework.
A Path Forward: Strengthening Cybersecurity for Peacebuilding
The situation in Lebanon shows that cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for peacebuilding. The country’s fragile political system, strained infrastructure, and involvement in international conflicts make it especially vulnerable to digital threats.
By strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure, Lebanon can address internal divisions, reduce risks to refugees, and better protect itself from foreign digital threats. To build a sustainable peace, the government must not only focus on military and diplomatic efforts but also integrate cybersecurity into its peacebuilding strategy. With the growing prevalence of cyberattacks, it is critical for Lebanon to invest in training, digital infrastructure, and policy development to safeguard its future.
As wars continue to rise, the urgency of establishing a robust cybersecurity framework becomes ever clearer. The time for action is now—before Lebanon’s digital infrastructure becomes yet another battlefield in the ongoing struggle for peace.
Sources:
Cherri, Z., Arcos González, P., & Castro Delgado, R. (2016). The Lebanese–Syrian crisis: impact of influx of Syrian refugees to an already weak state. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 9, 165–172. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S106068
Hamadi, G. (2024, January 22). After the hacking of the Parliament and Social Affairs Ministry websites “more attacks” expected in Lebanon, expert says. L’Orient Today.
https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1365266/lebanons-ministry-of-social-affairs-websit e-hacked.html
Prentis, J., & Homsi, N. (2024, April 17). Cyber attack on Lebanon state internet provider Ogero disrupts services. The National. https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/04/17/cyber-attack-on-lebanon-stateinternet-provider-ogero-disrupts-services/
Verdeil, E., Faour, G., Hamzé, M., & Gillette, C. (2019). Atlas of Lebanon: New challenges. Presses de l’Ifpo.
