Countering 300,000 cyber-attacks: Jordan's strategies to enhance cybersecurity

Amid the political and social volatility in the Middle East, Jordan has not been without the challenges facing many countries in this region. However, Jordan stands out as a model of stability and national cohesion, despite the systematic cyber and media attacks that seek to destabilize this stability.

This cohesion is due to the wise policies and effective management pursued by the Jordanian leadership, which places the security and prosperity of its citizens at the core of its priorities. This vision has been manifested in a balanced resistance to external and internal pressures, while maintaining a cohesive social fabric that strengthens the state's ability to overcome crises.

For about a year, a systematic and ongoing attack has been observed targeting positive news and reports related to Jordanian national principles. This attack is neither spontaneous nor random; rather, it is organized by accounts that follow a specific ideology and originate from several countries. It is believed that these countries are not directly responsible for these actions, but the unified ideological nature of the accounts indicates a certain coordination and logistical and financial support that goes beyond the capabilities of individuals or independent groups.

These campaigns pose a significant challenge to national security, as they aim to undermine trust in national institutions and create a rift in national unity. Countering these attacks requires a comprehensive strategy that combines security vigilance and electronic monitoring, as well as enhancing citizen awareness to identify misinformation and preserve national unity.

According to reports, the cyber effort directed against Jordan includes more than 300,000 Arabic-speaking accounts. These accounts focus their attacks on Jordan in light of the security challenges facing the region, including the Kingdom's war on drugs and the efforts of our armed forces to confront any attempts to tamper with national security. This hostile cyber activity reflects ongoing attempts to distort Jordan's image and undermine trust in its institutions, exploiting volatile regional situations and security crises as opportunities to sow confusion.

These accounts are tools in a complex cyber war, operating with funding and direction from external parties seeking to influence public opinion and create a state of unrest. The Jordanian government, in cooperation with the security services, is working hard to track and effectively combat these activities by enhancing its technological and cyber capabilities. Additionally, awareness programs are being developed for citizens to raise awareness of the dangers of fake news and misleading campaigns that target the social fabric and Jordanian national unity.

The attacks also demonstrate a remarkable pattern of exploiting regional and international events to undermine trust between citizens and their government. Perhaps the most prominent example of this is the political exploitation of the Israeli war on Gaza, where these accounts sought to cast doubt on Jordan's position, often considered ahead of many Arab countries in the field of human rights and humanitarian support.

These campaigns aim to portray Jordan as complicit or complicit, employing misleading narratives and interpreting events to serve foreign agendas. Jordan, known for its steadfast positions and continued support for the Palestinian cause and human rights, finds itself facing propaganda challenges that exploit crises to undermine national unity. These attempts call for enhancing community awareness, emphasizing national values, and working together to maintain trust in national institutions. Regarding sports, some matches have become a breeding ground for sectarian conflict, with online groups using sports as a tool to incite divisions and sow discord among fans. This reveals a clear attempt to undermine Jordan's social fabric, which is characterized by diversity and tolerance. Exploiting sporting events in this way poses a significant challenge. Sports, which are supposed to bring people together and promote national unity, are being used here as a means to create rifts and deepen divisions. These groups deliberately stir up emotions and exploit sub-identities, threatening to weaken community bonds. To address these challenges, Jordan must raise awareness of the importance of sports as a platform for unity and rapprochement rather than division, and work to strengthen sports institutions to become bridges of communication between different segments of society.

Confronting these systematic cyber campaigns requires a multi-dimensional response that includes raising public awareness and developing defensive cybersecurity capabilities. Jordan must also continue to promote transparency and open dialogue between the government and citizens to maintain mutual trust.

National efforts include implementing intensive training programs for security personnel to keep pace with the latest cybersecurity technologies, as well as enhancing international cooperation to exchange expertise and information on cyber threats. Furthermore, it is essential to develop comprehensive awareness programs targeting all segments of society to raise awareness of cybersecurity risks and how to handle personal and sensitive information safely. Through these measures, the country's defenses can be strengthened and a strong barrier can be built against destructive cyber campaigns aimed at destabilising the country.

In this context, the importance of international cooperation to track down accounts and sources that spread misinformation and attack national principles should be emphasized. Jordan, with its strategic location and commitment to regional security, deserves support in confronting these challenges, particularly in its efforts to maintain social peace and national unity. Jordan stands out as an example of resilience and unity in the face of adversity, adhering to its national principles and rejecting all attempts at division and discord. With unity and insistence on firm national positions, Jordan can continue its path toward progress and prosperity, calling on all its citizens to unite and preserve the values ​​of tolerance and coexistence for which the Jordanian people are known.

Hasan Dajah is professor of strategic studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University