The previous article outlined the digital and cyber security challenges Armenia faced in 2024.
Let’s examine the potential dangers Armenia may face in 2025 from a broader perspective.
While it is evident that all the previous threats will persist into the following year, certain spheres may experience more significant challenges.
Pre-election campaign kicks off
With the 2026 elections approaching, a major information storm is anticipated in the latter half of the year. Currently, the only method of political battle in Armenia is through traditional media and social networks. Political factions are expected to make substantial human and financial investments to advance their agendas across all available media channels. This development implies several important things:
- New media outlets will be established, often of unknown origin.
- The quality of journalism will once again experience a significant decline.
- Hate speech and misinformation will become one of the main tools and flood social media.
- Many fake users and pages will be involved; “fake farms” will be included in the media battle.
- This time, influencers will be actively employed in political propaganda, and possibly as party members.
International hybrid threats
Considering the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the broader region, Azerbaijan and Turkey will intensify their hybrid operations against Armenia.
Depending on the situation in Ukraine, Russia’s hybrid attacks against Armenia may drastically increase.
In any case, the situation will worsen because Armenia lacks a clearly outlined concept and institutions to confront hybrid threats effectively.
Surge in international cybercrime
Armenia has already been targeted by various international cybercriminal groups, highlighting several evident trends.
- Attacks are becoming more localized in terms of language and content. Local banks, financial and governmental institutions are being targeted.
- International groups likely engage Armenians to execute crimes more effectively.
- In the near future, digitization will significantly advance quantitatively and qualitatively in the state and banking sectors, consequently resulting in an increased risk of cyber attacks.
AI impact
AI is actively entering the Armenian media landscape, with many journalists starting to utilize various tools in their work.
AI has also become a powerful tool for malicious activities. Certainly, all the aforementioned threats will also be executed through AI.
Acknowledging a potential negative consequence of using AI tools in newsrooms is important. Many media outlets may misuse these technologies, creating content that could inadvertently spread misinformation and decline content quality.
Everything indicates that a joyful year awaits us all.