The Role of Russian Political Leaders in Strengthening Cybersecurity

The world is currently undergoing numerous radical transformations due to the tremendous growth in information technologies, which in turn has led to the emergence of new forms of relationships and various activities across all international fields. Our current era has been dubbed the age of the digital and electronic revolution, and data and information have become the weapon of this era, as all countries around the world strive to develop their electronic communication systems to keep up with others. These electronic tools have forcefully entered all aspects of human life and have become the most influential instruments in the lives of people—not just of governments and different states around the world.

After the end of the Cold War, a series of new challenges and threats emerged that the international community had never faced before. These threats are known as transnational threats and are considered among the most profound and dangerous risks to the national security of countries worldwide. Wars are no longer based solely on armies and military tools but have evolved to include electronic warfare, or what is known as cyberwarfare. These wars are even more dangerous than direct wars and military tools, with impacts that are not visible to the naked eye. Rather, they are hidden wars conducted through computers, with information becoming the weapon of these conflicts.

While governments seek to strengthen their sources of hard power, represented by the economy and the military, the use of soft power has significantly increased. This power has become an alternative to direct wars between nations, and modern technological techniques have become the primary global means to harm and threaten the security and stability of countries and governments.

In the face of this multitude of threats to national security, stability, and sovereignty, it has become imperative for countries to take serious measures to develop their technological and information systems in order to protect themselves from cyberattacks, such as espionage operations, the infiltration of destructive viruses, or economic and financial cyber-espionage. Added to this is the risk of strategic military information being compromised by companies involved in manufacturing military and nuclear weapons.

Political leadership has become a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies, as all countries strive to develop plans to protect their cyberspace in an era of growing digital crime that harms and threatens national security and the lives of nations and peoples. Political leaders, especially in first-world countries, therefore have no choice but to rush to develop a strategy that supports their cybersecurity and protects them from cyber hacking. Such a strategy is developed with political, economic, social, and legal dimensions that regulate the general framework of the strategy and implement it across all citizens of the state.

In applying the role of political leadership in strengthening cybersecurity strategy, we specifically mention the Russian leadership, led by President Putin, who is credited with reinforcing Russia’s cyber power. Below, we will examine the role of Russian political leaders in bolstering cybersecurity strategy, by analyzing President Putin’s role and the new Russian strategy.

The Concept of Political Leadership

The concepts of political leadership vary based on diverse theories, concepts, and theoretical frameworks focused on defining the concept. Some tend to define political leadership as a set of personal qualities possessed by certain individuals, whether these qualities are innate or acquired. Others believe that political leadership is a mandate and official authority granted to the leader to carry out political actions, thus enjoying power and influence over others. Modern studies define the concept of political leadership as behavior, interaction, and influence over individuals.

Linguistic Definition:
The word leadership comes from the verb to lead; hence, leadership is a gerundial noun derived from that verb. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, to lead means “to guide by going in front,” particularly in the context of directing or influencing others in action or thought. The term implies initiative, control, and responsibility. Similarly, the leadership scholar James MacGregor Burns emphasized that leadership involves guiding others toward a shared goal by setting direction and being at the forefront of action. Thus, the concept of leadership is rooted in the act of moving ahead and influencing others to follow, with the leader being the person responsible for directing and supporting a group toward a common purpose.

Technical Definition:
Leadership concepts have varied according to different directions and theoretical frameworks. Max Weber defined it as “the ability to make someone do something they would not do under other circumstances.” Philosopher Socrates defined it as follows: “The leader must know how his followers obtain what they need from anything; he must have the necessary imagination to conceive his plans and policies, the ingenuity to implement them, and the ability to lead his supporters to apply them skillfully. He must possess his own tactics and means to face the crowd, interfacing with the wise, and he must not insult scholars or surround himself with experts. He should be cunning, humble, tough, intelligent, perseverant, committed, observant, and understand how thieves think—frugal, generous, chivalrous, strict, and rationally adventurous, among other qualities, either innate or acquired.”

The most comprehensive and influential definition may be attributed to Joseph S. Nye, who conceptualized political leadership as the ability to influence others not only through coercion or payment, but also through attraction and persuasion—what he famously termed soft power. Nye emphasized that effective political leadership involves setting societal objectives, establishing priorities, and selecting appropriate means based on the actual capabilities of a society, all while maintaining legitimacy and alignment with shared values. According to Nye, leadership is not simply about commanding authority but about “getting others to want what you want”—a strategic blend of vision, communication, and moral credibility. In this context, political leadership requires the capacity to evaluate complex situations, make informed decisions in times of crisis, and guide a society within a framework shaped by its ethical and cultural foundations.

Operational Definition:
Political leadership is seen as the ability to influence others. It is one of the most important variables in a political system, as it plays an effective and vital role in formulating and implementing internal and external policies and strategies. It can be defined as the leader’s ability to formulate effective strategies and the extent of their effectiveness in determining the national objectives of the country, according to the material and military capabilities of the nation, and the use of appropriate tools and means to achieve these goals.

Through these definitions, we find that political leadership is not an individual phenomenon related to a single person, the leader, but it is, in fact, a collective phenomenon based on interaction among all members of the elite. However, when analyzing the personality of certain political leaders, we find there is a political leadership centered around the figure of the president, where an individual controls the decision-making and decision-taking process. In such systems, the leader represents the primary and most influential element in the leadership process, possessing powers and roles that allow for controlling the decision-making process, which varies according to the nature of the political system.

Models of Political Leadership:

Political leadership is classified in various ways. The most well-known and important classification is of leadership styles based on how the leader manages the political system. Political leadership is divided into several main styles: democratic leadership, semi-democratic leadership, hybrid leadership, and authoritarian leadership. The management method of the political system varies based on the characteristics that distinguish each style from others.

Democratic Leadership Style:
This is characterized by the leader’s inability to make decisions without consulting the elite, as the outlines of the policy are developed through group discussions and accepted by that group, as this style relies on persuasion and discussion methods.

Semi-Democratic Leadership Style:
This model is similar to Western democratic systems in that it has a constitution, a parliament, and political parties, but ultimately lacks the liberal political dimension. This model is also characterized by the suppression of freedoms, with political leaders imposing restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression, highlighting the role of religious institutions.

Autocratic Leadership Style:
Notably, this is the opposite of the democratic model, as this model is characterized by individualism in political decision-making, where the political leader alone is capable of issuing a number of orders and decisions that must be followed by subordinates. He also determines the group’s policies without consulting them and remains distantly related to them.

Chaotic Political Leadership Style:
This model gives the political leader complete freedom to allow group members to make political decisions. Thus, the leader does not lead but rather leaves the entirety of political decision-making in the hands of the political group to outline the state’s political actions.

Authoritarian Leadership Style: This style is divided into three sections:

• Institutional Authoritarianism: This leadership has several political institutions, such as political parties and parliaments. Despite the existence of these institutions, they do not transfer power democratically.
• Non-Institutional Authoritarian Leadership Style: This style appears in countries where clans and tribes dominate, and where power is not democratically transferred within political institutions responsible for discussing state affairs.
• Personalized Authoritarian Leadership Style: The political leader appears to be the sole authority in policy-making and means of implementation, with no elections, even formally, so the political leader becomes one who controls and dominates the political arena.

We can distinguish a group of leadership styles that leaders adopt based on intellectual and cultural orientations and social interactions. We can identify a set of these styles, including:

Autocratic Leader: Autocratic leaders enjoy absolute power. They accomplish tasks and make decisions by threatening and coercing those under their authority. The leader relies on formal powers conferred by state laws and regulations. This type of leadership is characterized by extreme rigidity and cautious decision-making regarding the duties and powers granted to each individual.

Democratic Leader: The democratic leadership is characterized by how subordinates participate in decision-making, planning, and policy formulation. Here, the leader suggests actions and recommendations but ensures group participation and approval before implementing these actions.

Charismatic Leader: A charismatic leader can express the spirit and general will of the country and is extremely popular among his people. He is always energetic with many goals he constantly strives to achieve. He is characterized by strong will and great persuasive ability. He is always in a race against time to provoke the radical changes he dreams of. He addresses major issues, leaving the solution of minor matters to his assistants. He does not conform to daily rules and institutional control and is characterized by control.

Mediating or Organizing Leader: These leaders attempt to harmonize the interests and positions of various forces and political parties in society, acting as mediators between them. They do not tend to devise a comprehensive plan to confront issues, the outcome of which is determined by complete success or collective failure. They prefer a partial and gradual plan and do not follow strict formal rules. Therefore, they resemble businessmen and economic organizers, being individuals with the capacity to maneuver and the freedom of action. They also rely on persuasion to contend with reason and logic, rather than reason and emotions.

Pragmatic Leader, Bureaucratic Expert: This leader is rational, capable of identifying a crisis, presenting and evaluating available options and alternatives, and assessing their costs and benefits. He always strives to make the right decisions and persuade others to implement them. His role focuses on managing the current era in which he lives and the existing affairs of his society, with no ambition to evolve society along a new path. He believes that resolving disputes and conflicting interests is achieved through compromise, with each party to the conflict conceding part of its interests to reach an agreement. If this is not possible, the conflicting parties must wait for the moment to regain their sanity and control their minds.

The researcher believes that the leadership factor is of great importance in the political decision-making process, as the personality of the political leader, through his intrinsic motivations, psychological environment, and social education, as well as the nature of his interests, influences the formulation of strategies, the definition of domestic policy, and the orientations of foreign policy.

The political leader is a product of the interaction of a group of personal, social, and historical factors. Human behavior in general is a product of how people perceive reality. The personal factor is therefore represented by the psychological and behavioral characteristics of the leader. Since humans face a very complex environment, they need to create personal tools to help them interpret that environment. In other words, they create a personal environment in which they can comprehend the actual environment and act accordingly. These tools are a set of beliefs, perceptions, and values that allow them to face this psychological environment. Behavioral characteristics are represented by a collection of traits linked to an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral constitution.

All these traits are influenced by the process of socialization, especially at the family level, and are also affected by the leader’s educational and career path. As for psychological characteristics, they are a set of beliefs and perceptions. Regarding social factors, they relate to the nature of the social context in which the leader was raised and the conditions. Society finds itself in a difficult situation, and the past experiences of the political leader influence their decisions. We find that a leader who possesses scientific and practical experience is qualified to achieve his objectives and formulate effective policies. The leader’s past experiences influence the form of the strategy he proposes and the directions he follows, due to his possession of opinions, beliefs, and a style that qualifies him to carry out this role.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the main pillars that influence national security today for countries around the world. Cybersecurity has become a form of power for nations and a tool used by states to achieve their goals. These goals focus on realizing their national interests. Other forms of warfare and threats have emerged in unconventional forms compared to those known during the First and Second World Wars when military force was the recognized form of international relations at that time.

In the early 1990s, the traditional military significance of power was transcended with the emergence of the concept of cybersecurity on the international stage. The use of cybersecurity has even enhanced the power of smaller countries, making them influential within the international community. Cybersecurity has also assisted some countries in developing their political, economic, and social capacities.

Cybersecurity has given birth to several new concepts that have entered the international arena for the first time, such as cyber warfare, hacking, information security, cyberspace, satellites, and others. The emergence of cybersecurity has played an important role in reconsidering the concept of national security, as international threats are no longer limited to attacks on the borders of countries. Rather, the depth of danger has increased in light of the advancement of information and communication technologies, rendering economic, social, and military information and data of the state, as well as its internal and external orientations, vulnerable to breach at any time by international or non-international actors.

First: Cyberspace

The concept of cyberspace first appeared in a science fiction novel by William Gibson published in 1982, yet there is no single and agreed-upon definition of cyberspace. Although the term first appeared in a novel, it has since evolved into a scientific reality with economic, social, and political implications.

Linguistic Definition: The term “Cyber” is derived from the Latin word “Kubernts,” meaning the captain of a ship, and refers to leadership and management. However, the word later changed and became attached to anything pertaining to space, referring to anything related to the Internet, electronic computers, computing, and network systems, in addition to users of these networks, whether individuals, institutions, or organizations.
Technical Definition: According to Dr. Ismail Zarrouqa’s definition, cyberspace refers to “a modern interactive environment that includes both physical and non-physical elements, constituted of a group of digital devices, network systems, software, and users of these networks, whether they are users or workers.”

There is no consensus definition of cyberspace among researchers, as it encompasses multiple dimensions. Cyberspace has become a social dimension of communication and data exchange. It has later evolved into an interactive arena for managing international interactions, including wars, conflicts, and digital attacks. Cyberspace has thus become a new political dimension, used to conduct unconventional military wars, playing a leading role in influencing the balance of powers, contributing to advancing the affairs of states and deteriorating those of other states.

The importance of utilizing cyberspace for individuals arises from easy access to data and information, as it is a vast spatial library containing an infinite amount of different data and information. Cyberspace has allowed individuals to easily find employment by searching electronic platforms for the fields that interest them, thus saving time and effort.

Second: Cybersecurity

The term “cybersecurity” began to emerge in the 1970s. The idea dates back to the creation of ARPANET, the Advanced Research Projects Network, which was a communication network preceding the Internet. A man named Bob Thomas discovered that a computer program could transfer data and information between networks via terminals running the Tenex operating system, naming this program Creeper.

During this period, scientists and researchers continued to invent and develop computer technologies. These technologies rely on communication methods, leading to increased demand for developing protection and security tools for networks. Governments have worked to discuss ways to mitigate vulnerabilities and risks of communication methods, thus reducing violations and issues related to new communication methods.

This was evident by the interest shown by the U.S. Air Force’s electronic devices division (ESD) to work on network hardware projects in collaboration with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). Their mission at that time was to develop safeguards and protections for the computer systems used then.

By the mid-1960s, the concept of cybersecurity had become clear. This development prompted developers of computer systems and networks to seek safer protection methods by establishing a cybersecurity organization. This organization was successful, and the first cybercriminal, Kevin Meknik, was arrested at the age of sixteen. This marked the true beginning of cyberattacks, which continue to this day.

Linguistic Definition: The concept of cybersecurity consists of two words: security, which is the opposite of fear, meaning safety. Security is the root of the verb “to be safe,” which means the elimination of fear, peace of mind, and tranquility of the heart. It is also said: “to be safe from evil,” meaning to be protected from it. The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations defines it as a term that refers to the absence of anything threatening rare values.

The term “cyber,” is derived from the Greek word “kybernetes,” which refers to the chief or controller of a ship. It should be noted that many historians attribute its origin to American mathematician Norbert Wiener, who associated the concept of cybernetics with automatic control.

Technical Definition: According to the U.S. Department of Defense, cybersecurity is “the set of organizational measures necessary to ensure the protection of information in all its physical and electronic forms against various crimes: attacks, sabotage, espionage, and accidents.”

According to the definition provided by the International Telecommunication Union in its report “Telecommunication Reform Trends for the Year,” the term cybersecurity refers to “a set of tasks, such as the gathering of means, policies, security procedures, and principles, allowing for the protection of the cyber environment. The protection aims to compel attackers to alter their plans or prevent them from implementing them by developing a plan compatible with the technical, human, organizational, and legal environments of individuals and institutions.”

Procedural Definition: This refers to a set of processes and procedures used to protect computers, networks, and data against any unauthorized access, whether through theft, damaging data and devices, or other malicious attacks. These measures include implementing all means of protection, such as encryption, controlling access to data and information, or activating intrusion detection systems. Incident response plans and recovery procedures must also be established.

Third: Information Security:

Linguistic Definition: The concept of information security comprises two words: security, which is the opposite of fear, meaning safety, and security, which is the root of the verb “to be safe,” meaning the elimination of fear, peace of mind, and tranquility of the heart. It is also said: he was safe from evil, meaning he was saved from it. The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations defines it as a term that refers to the absence of anything threatening rare values.

The second part of the concept is the word information, which is the plural of information and means news, inquiries, or anything that leads to lifting ambiguities and clarifying matters.

Technical Definition: It is the science that examines theories and strategies aimed at protecting information and data from risks that expose it to danger, represented by activities that attack or attempt to penetrate it through various technical angles. This definition also represents an attempt to protect information from both internal and external risks to which it is exposed.

Operational Definition: Information security refers to a set of measures and security tools designed to protect information on a large scale. It prevents access to company information against any misuse, unauthorized access, or exposure to damage. Therefore, techniques and methods are used to protect this information against exposure to various threats.

Cybersecurity and Information Security:

The term cybersecurity has become commonly used as a synonym for information security. Some people use both terms as if they mean the same thing, but this is incorrect. There is a difference in the definition of cybersecurity and information security. The difference also appears in the specialization and area of operation of each of them, as well as the electronic programming bases with which each system operates relative to the other.

The difference between cybersecurity and information security is evident in the emphasis placed by the latter on protecting the security of data and information contained on websites and electronic platforms. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, aims to ensure that information is not hacked by various parties and is not used by any party. Cybersecurity seeks to prevent illegal access to information by all possible means.

The security of information can be easily compromised using hacking, espionage, and hacking devices. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is a complete electronic system whose purpose is to protect various electronic devices from receiving any type of virus. Thus, it is a more secure system than information security.

An information security system is one that contains and stores users’ data. This program illustrates the difference between cybersecurity and information security. In the case of an attempt to hack users’ data, in the case of information security, it informs the user of the hacking attempt, which is done in the case of information security. In the case of cybersecurity, it prevents the application itself from trying to spy on the user. If a hack is performed by an individual or organization, it tracks the hacker, learns their personal identity, and traces their track.

Cybersecurity as the Unconventional Dimension of National Security:

The significant advancements made in data and information technology have revolutionized all aspects of life. Cyber risks increase daily due to advancements brought about by various forms of technology. Countries and peoples are now facing a real threat and an infinite number of cybercrimes, such as fraud, the spread of fake news, money laundering, terrorist planning, and many others.

In this hazardous technological environment, countries are seeking to develop cyber deterrent measures to protect themselves from any attempt to violate their security apparatus and access data and information that could impact their national security. This is particularly true given the use of cyberspace by non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, international organizations, and terrorist groups, as a basis for conflict, using it to exert pressure on states to serve their interests.

In the face of this growing threat, it has become imperative to develop the concept of national security beyond the traditional framework of a state’s military power to protect it from security threats. The important role that hard power plays in protecting national security cannot be denied. However, it is no longer the sole source of threat to national security. Soft power has become a real threat in our time, represented by cyber threats and cyberattacks, in addition to the use of cyberspace as a conflict zone.

Consequently, the relationship between cybersecurity and national security is directly proportional. The more economic, informational, security, intellectual, political, military, service, and scientific content is transferred and uploaded into cyberspace, the greater the likelihood of a threat to the state. This is manifested in the current trend of a number of countries adopting digital policies, establishing smart cities, and uploading information and data via cyberspace, which increases the potential threats against them.

These threats take many forms, including the most common form, data and information theft, which refers to the theft of data and intelligence from an adversary state. The next threat is the destruction of that data, whether by distorting information unbeknownst to the adversary, leading to its misleading or complete erasure, or by implementing schemes to manipulate the minds of individuals in the adversary state, paving the way for social turmoil.

Cyber Wars as a Threat to Cybersecurity:

Modern cyber warfare has been described as an extension of a new Cold War, creating such a complex new reality that it is difficult to easily understand. Today, we face a number of traditional war terms, to which the adjectives virtual and imaginative are added, such as cyber, digital, or electronic, referring to several examples such as electronic armaments, the electronic arms race, electronic military, cyberattacks, electronic jihad, electronic warriors or fighters, and finally, cyberterrorism. All these modern terms and concepts have prompted a group of experts and countries to call for an international agreement to limit weapons in cyberspace, similar to those concluded in the field of nuclear and chemical proliferation. Such agreements could help impose restrictions on cyber warfare, its usage, distribution, proliferation, and development.

Linguistic Definition: The Oxford English Dictionary defines cyber warfare as “the use of computer technology to sabotage the activities of a state or organization, particularly premeditated attacks against private information systems for strategic or military purposes.”
Operational Definition: These are attacks carried out by states to damage the infrastructure and facilities and to obtain information and data from the attacked state, which constitutes a threat to national security.

Cyber warfare has several characteristics that distinguish it from conventional warfare. Perhaps the most important of these characteristics is the lower cost of cyber warfare compared to conventional warfare. Cyber warfare also does not involve bloodshed, as it does not require the deployment of armies or military tools. It is also impossible to determine who launched the attack against the state or non-state actors. Thus, cyber warfare is characterized by a high degree of camouflage. Cyber warfare is also characterized by the multiplicity of objectives that provoke it. The objective is not limited to the military aspect alone. Cyber warfare can be conducted to erase the identity of the state, at which point the objective becomes purely cultural.

There are numerous methods through which countries or international actors conduct cyber warfare. For instance, cyber espionage, which is one of the most dangerous and oldest weapons of cyber warfare, in addition to the hacking and electronic infiltration method, and the predominant role of the media, which is a powerful weapon used by the state to influence public opinion. More powerful countries can use it to obscure a nation’s identity or influence its youth. Cyber warfare has become a real threat to the lives of nations and peoples; thus, countries urgently need to find a security strategy to protect themselves from violations and cyber wars.

The Role of Political Leadership in Strengthening Cybersecurity Strategy

The political leader is considered the pivot of the political process, as he represents the pinnacle of the political system. He has several roles that hold significant implications. We find that he has an internal role because he is responsible for developing the internal system and the political community, as political leadership plays a fundamental role in determining the strength, nature, and future of the political, economic, social, military, and general security systems. As for his external role, he is primarily responsible for his country’s position and role on the international stage, as the leader is the one who shapes the country’s character and determines its position in the balance of powers in the global system.

A political leader can play numerous roles during his term. Perhaps the most important of these roles is the one he plays in the planning process, formulating strategies, defining internal and external objectives, and integrating these objectives into the national agenda. He is tasked with making and formulating decisions and coordinating policies. Therefore, the political leader is a pivotal center in the process of developing security strategies to ensure the protection of the state’s national security and prevent the emergence of threats that affect the stability and security of the country, whether they are internal or external. He is also tasked with establishing priority programs and determining and defining the country’s objectives. He is responsible for protecting the national interests of his country. He is tasked with resolving conflicts and preventing his country from entering into conflicts that could drain the strength and resources of the state.

Political leaders seek to strengthen the state’s capabilities by formulating strategies that enhance its value and status. Given the significant development of technology that the world is witnessing, while leaders aim to preserve the security and sovereignty of the state and protect it from any surrounding danger, political leaders establish the primary parameters for each of their national security strategies by defining the objectives and strategies that political leaders seek to achieve in the interest of the state’s national security. Leaders play a major role in formulating, launching, and implementing a sound cybersecurity strategy. Leaders have become aware of the need to enhance cyber capabilities to protect countries from the dangers and threats of cyberspace. Therefore, leaders are oriented towards formulating and developing a new strategy that adapts to these changes. They work to develop a comprehensive security strategy to protect cyberspace, providing the best means of protection and actively confronting cyber risks.

Conscious political leadership adapts to the evolving global events. Through significant advances in information and communication technologies, a single minute represents an infinite number of global events resulting from international interactions that occur in cyberspace. Cyberspace has become one of the fundamental elements influencing the international scene, creating opportunities for cooperation, conflict, and international wars.

In light of growing and changing security threats, the rise of cyber threats, and the risks they pose to various aspects of life, political leaders, following the pace of these changes, strive to adopt policies and take measures to confront these cyber threats. They develop national cybersecurity strategies to define, design, and implement a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for cybersecurity in which they establish a method for confronting cyber threats and cyberattacks. They also develop cyber defense capabilities, as a trend indicates the necessity to invest in developing these capabilities, building cybersecurity incident response teams, and enhancing intelligence capabilities regarding cyber threats. They also strive to bolster the protection of vital infrastructures by taking measures to shield them from cyberattacks.

Recently, political leaders have also wished to reinforce cyber diplomacy and work towards enhancing international cooperation to confront cyber threats and cyberattacks by participating in international forums on cybersecurity and collaborating on cyber defense strategies with other countries.

In addition to striving to disseminate the culture of cybersecurity and raise awareness about its importance, leaders seek to promote a culture of cybersecurity within society at both the institutional and individual levels. This goal is achieved by proposing training and qualifications in the field of cybersecurity, empowering businesses and institutions to confront cyber threats, and launching numerous national initiatives targeting various segments of society, aligning with the digital transformation across all sectors.

Here, the role of political leadership appears: keeping pace with global events to develop and enhance a cybersecurity strategy to protect national security, in line with the international changes currently occurring in countries worldwide due to the massive revolution of information and data technologies, which carry risks threatening the existence of the state. Thus, it was essential to adopt and enhance a cybersecurity strategy, considering the role of political leadership in formulating that strategy.

The main objective of political leadership in strengthening the cybersecurity strategy is to enhance the countries’ ability to withstand threats inherent in cyberspace. This has prompted many countries around the world to place this strategy on their agenda, in light of the emergence of cyber wars that many countries are exposed to. The spread of cyber capabilities among many actors on the international stage has provided countries with the ability to control and dominate, and has even given smaller actors a greater capacity to exert influence and play an important role in cyberspace; this signifies a change in the capabilities of powers within the international system, which has altered the nature of certain interactions among active international entities, such as conflict, cooperation, deterrence, and strength in the interconnected virtual world. Therefore, establishing a cybersecurity strategy necessitates that the political leaders of countries around the world take serious steps to place this strategy on the list of security priorities to be addressed.

The Role of President Putin in Strengthening Russian Cybersecurity

The international scene is currently undergoing numerous radical transformations resulting from the formidable development of information technology, which in turn has led to the emergence of new forms of relationships on the international stage, whether cooperative or conflicting. Cyberspace has become a new arena for international relations and the international balances governing them. In the era of the digital revolution and the development of electronic activities, data and information have become the weapons of this age. This is why all countries worldwide are striving to develop their electronic communication capabilities to catch up with other countries. These electronic means have forcefully entered all areas of human life and have become the most influential tool in the lives of peoples and the politics of nations. Great nations, therefore, seek to strengthen their traditional sources of power in economic and military levels while increasing their reliance on soft power, which has become an alternative to direct military wars between countries. With the shift of relations between countries to cyberspace, international relations in the virtual sphere retain some of their original characteristics within the virtual world, as countries seek to enhance their dominance over cyberspace. There is a Russo-Chinese-American struggle to win dominance and control of cyberspace.

Cyberspace has impacted the international system as the struggle for hegemony has shifted to the cyber domain. Cyberspace has become one of the key elements influencing the international arena and international relations. Cyberspace is a double-edged sword. A positive aspect is represented by the rapid access to information and technological advancement that has enabled the meeting of needs. The negative aspect is represented by the exploitation of cyberspace by countries for hacking and espionage of the internal and foreign policies of other countries, in addition to the emergence of a new form of international conflict. This has created an opportunity for international conflict unknown to countries and peoples before. This conflict differs from traditional conflicts in which weapons and military tools are used. It is a non-conventional realm that constitutes non-conventional conflicts and threats emerging on the political scene.

Therefore, cyberspace has made the national security of countries a topic of research and reflection for policymakers so they can examine the modern and non-conventional sources of threats exposing international national security to the risk of new cybersecurity threats, including hacking and electronic espionage, which make the internal and external security information of countries a constant threat to their national security.

In analyzing the international cyberspace while countries seek to seize and control their dominance in cyberspace, each country develops its means to enhance cybersecurity and strengthen its cyber power. This is achieved by identifying several defensive methods and strategies to ensure and protect its security in cyberspace. Furthermore, these countries strive to bolster their ability to overcome the threats inherent in cyberspace, thus ensuring the protection of various secure information, military, and economic systems without being exposed to electronic penetration from any external threat.

Considering the international actors present on the international cyber scene while analyzing the power balance in cyberspace, the researcher found that Russia, under President Putin’s leadership, especially following his third term in 2012, allocated great attention to cybersecurity issues and became a country endowed with significant cyber power and one of the superpowers in the new balance of power. This is because Russian leaders recognize that the upcoming threat will be unconventional and that future wars will be cyber and non-conventional. Therefore, Russia, under President Putin’s leadership, has sought to reconsider its security strategy and has oriented itself towards strengthening and demonstrating Russia’s position in cyberspace, as well as the rise of Russia as a superpower in the international cyber arena. This aligns with Putin’s approach to dismantling unipolarity, eliminating American hegemony, and reinforcing Russia’s position on the international stage.

In this chapter, we will address three subjects as follows:

1. The first part is a reading of President Putin’s personality.
2. The second part: The role of President Putin in strengthening Russian cybersecurity.
3. The third part: The rise of Russia in cyberspace.

First Part: A Reading of President Vladimir Putin’s Personality

Political leadership has played a central role in Russia’s history. The Russian political system has been characterized by decision-making largely confined to political leaders throughout its history. Russia has never been an institution-based state but rather a state founded on and dependent upon the charisma of its political leaders.

President Putin is regarded as one of the most critical Russian leaders in history. He is a charismatic leader enjoying overwhelming popularity and has successfully led the Russian Federation over extended periods. During his tenure, he has continually sought to restore Russian influence and has succeeded in re-establishing Russia’s supremacy in all fields, reviving Russia’s power after assuming the presidency during a period of Russian collapse. He has ambitious plans and strategies that organize the internal situation and improve the international and regional position.

Since taking office, Russian President Vladimir Putin has worked to develop a strategy that adapts to the evolving global events while serving the interests of the Russian Federation. Since the emergence of the term “cybersecurity,” which poses a genuine threat to national security, Putin has placed it at the forefront of Russia’s national security strategy. This demonstrates that Putin is aware of what is happening internationally. Under President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, Russia has established a successful model as one of the most prominent countries excelling in the field of cyberspace. Russia has played an important role in this field at international and regional levels, primarily due to the significant role of President Vladimir Putin’s political leadership and his willingness to advance the Russian state. Putin has appeared on the international stage with conviction and an understanding of the importance of making Russia a country with weight and influence in international affairs.

Following is an analysis of President Vladimir Putin’s personality, attempting to understand how his social upbringing, personality traits, and psychological determinants have shaped his beliefs and orientations, and how this has impacted his role within the Russian political system in particular and the international arena in general.

1. Origins of Russian President Vladimir Putin:

Social upbringing plays an important role in shaping a leader’s personality. A leader’s personality is shaped by their environment. The economic, social, political, and historical factors in which an individual is raised influence their type of personality. Analyzing a leader’s personality can help us understand their tendencies and interpret their decisions. Therefore, we examined President Putin’s upbringing to understand the characteristics he acquired and how they have affected his leader personality.

The “Russian fox” Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the current president of the Russian Federation, was born on October 7, 1952, in Saint Petersburg, the northern capital of the Russian Federation (formerly Leningrad). His birth was like a miracle, as his mother returned from among the dead to bring this leader to life.

Putin was raised in a modest family, spending his childhood as the only youngest son after the deaths of his brothers in his father’s home. His father (Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin) was a politician and a conscript in the Soviet Navy. He served in the demolition battalion of the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs and participated in World War II in the defense of the city of Leningrad, where he was drafted as a Russian soldier in resistance groups against the Germans during the war. He was a member of the Communist Party. His mother (Maria Ivanovna Putina) worked in a factory in the city of Leningrad and briefly served as a nurse in a hospital. His grandfather (Spiridon Putin) was the personal chef of leaders Lenin and Stalin. His family suffered greatly during the war. This simple life helped Putin build self-confidence and develop an independent and responsible personality. He lived his life as a mysterious man whose steps no one knew.

2. Study of Russian President Vladimir Putin:

Putin began his studies at Baskov Lane School No. 193 in 1960. He was a diligent student and learned more than one language. After completing his primary and secondary education, he entered the Faculty of Law, Department of International Relations, at Andrei Ghdanov University of Leningrad in 1970. He later received an honorary doctorate in economic philosophy. His enrollment in the Faculty of Law marked the beginning of his dream to join intelligence services as he had harbored a strong desire to work in this field from a young age. After graduating, he joined the KGB and underwent training in Leningrad. After that, he worked in counter-intelligence, monitoring foreigners and consular officials in the city. In 1984, he was sent to the Academy of the Red Banner of the Soviet Intelligence Service to study at the School of Foreign Intelligence. By 1985, he had become a spy within the Soviet Intelligence Service (KGB). Putin remained a secret agent in the intelligence services until 1990 and the fall of the Soviet Union, then turned to the political world.

3. Practical Experiences of Russian President Vladimir Putin:

After completing his studies, Putin held several significant positions before assuming the presidency. He occupied multiple jobs throughout his career. As mentioned, he joined the Academy of the Red Banner of the KGB and the School of Foreign Intelligence. He then served as a spy in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1985 to 1990 under the title of “Director of German-Soviet Friendship.” He later served as an assistant to the president of the University of Leningrad for foreign affairs. He subsequently became an advisor to the president of the city council of Leningrad, then president of the city’s economic relations committee, until becoming First Deputy Prime Minister of the city government. There, his influence and renown began as he possessed vast powers. Subsequently, Putin became a significant and influential figure in the political and economic life of Leningrad. He then moved to Moscow to be appointed deputy director of administration affairs of the Russian presidency in 1996. Thus began the true rise of the tsar of Russia, as he dealt with legal matters related to foreign relations and later transitioned to the office of the head of state, becoming the head of the General Control Department of the State Security Service. In 1998, he was appointed director of the Federal Security Service of Russia. In 1999, he was selected to become the secretary of the National Security Council and, in the same year, became Prime Minister.

Putin assumed the interim presidency of the Russian Federation following the resignation of President Boris Yeltsin in December 1999. At that time, President Putin was considered qualified to be appointed to this position as his progression through the ranks rendered him suitable for taking this post. His past experience allowed him to be elected president of the Russian Federation in the March 2000 elections. He effectively accessed the presidency due to the conviction of parties and public opinion regarding his personality as a leader. He continued for two consecutive terms until 2008. After the conclusion of the second term, the constitution did not permit him to run for a third presidential term, so he appointed Medvedev and remained Prime Minister until he was re-elected president of the Russian Federation for a third term in 2012. He has remained in this leadership position until the present.

4. Psychological Determinants and Personal Characteristics of President Putin:

President Putin is distinguished by a set of characteristics that have influenced his political style and strategy at the head of the Russian State. Putin has combined traits and talents in his personality that clearly distinguish him from other global leaders. By analyzing President Putin’s personality, we see that these traits played a major role in his decision-making and contributed significantly to shaping his governance strategy. The most important characteristic of President Putin, which helped him rise to the top of the Russian state and contributed to building a new era for him, is that he is a person with a national sense and an interest in the internal and external issues of his country. He has always rejected the state of weakness afflicting Russia, believing that the enemies of the state are his enemies. He confuses the state with the person of the president. We find that Putin’s love for his state has driven him to devise new strategies that allow him to advance along with his state and compete with great powers. He has managed to secure a place for Russia on the international stage in all areas. President Putin faces a psychological dilemma that becomes clear when analyzing his statements and decisions and examining his orientations: it is the dilemma of sovereignty. By analyzing his speeches, one notices President Putin’s willingness to unite the Russian people, as he believes he is responsible for restructuring the post-Soviet world order. His intelligence and strength have helped him formulate an ambitious reformist ideology, enabling him to develop new security strategies that keep pace with global developments. This has made him a leading figure in Russian leadership.

As a result, Putin tends to lead from within. He relies on his leader presence. He considers himself a strong leader, trustworthy to his people, and a persuasive guide. He often imposes his laws on others, coercing them to follow and adhere to his approach. This is merely a reflection of his experience in intelligence and his education within military institutions. He allows others to take decisions on the ground, relying on his strength and cunning. This is why he always seeks to reinforce Russia’s position and international influence, as this leadership personality does not want to be under the authority of American hegemony.

The social and economic circumstances in which Putin grew up have shaped his personality. Growing up in a poor neighborhood in a middle-class family, and recognizing the hardships his family endured after the war, these upbringings and events have naturally influenced his thinking and understanding of situations. They have left a profound imprint on Putin’s character, creating in him a strong will and desire for life, while also fostering a capacity for self-control.

Additionally, Putin appears to be an ambitious person. This ambition drives him to always appear confident and ever ready to work, as Putin’s personality is characterized by high self-confidence. President Putin is convinced that he will achieve his political objectives, given what he has already accomplished. Putin has achieved many of his objectives, both domestically and externally. He has eliminated numerous internal crises and formulated clear and targeted strategies. We can clearly see that Putin has been able to realize these strategies and has promoted Russia, making it a force feared at all levels and in all fields. He has achieved noticeable superiority, but this image can be explained by the fact that he tends to act arrogantly, as he often appears to act with superiority.

Putin always wants to project a strong and decisive personality. When he appears, he is direct in his decisions, competitive, and always concealing his emotional side. Putin tends to view feelings and emotions as signs of weakness and avoids expressing warmth and intimacy. Examining Putin’s attitudes and upbringing, we can observe that his nature could make him ready to harm others if necessary.

He also possesses great flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations, provided that this change contributes to the development of Russia, which has helped him in the process of development and transformation towards utilizing new tools and crafting a modern strategy that aligns with existing situations on the international stage.

5. Orientations of President Putin:

Putin’s policies encompass several trends that can be used to explain the nature of the Russian strategy he has launched and help in understanding the different dimensions of the international character of the Russian Federation. Perhaps the most significant of these trends is that Putin has expressed his desire to restore Russia’s position in the international system and has developed several tools to achieve that. He has proposed a reform plan for the Russian system. We see that since Putin came to power, there has been a trend to restore the position his country occupied during the Soviet era as a superpower, and he tries to prove that it is a nation with high and effective economic, military, and political capabilities. More recently, Russia has tended to assert itself in cyberspace and keep pace with developments. This aligns with Putin’s trend to dismantle unipolarity and eliminate American hegemony while reinforcing Russia’s position on the international stage.

Thus, Russia, under Putin’s presidency, strives to confront the unilateral American project by promoting and calling for the establishment of a global system based on multipolarity, revitalizing the role of the United Nations and its central security institution, and enhancing the role of the Security Council. Despite Russia’s call for building a multilateral system, it concurrently evolves within the framework of strengthening its own power and reconstructing its regional environment, without entering into direct confrontation with the United States.

Russia relies on establishing collective and bilateral alliances to attempt to hit hostile forces on all fronts by maximizing its economic, military, and cyber power. That is why Putin has recently updated Russia’s security strategy to keep up with the trends of international relations, especially the shift towards cyberspace, and propose a strategy aimed at bolstering Russia’s rise in this area.

Vladimir Putin is one of the most powerful leaders in the world, and some even consider him the strongest. He enjoys the trust of his people. He is a charismatic figure and a beloved public persona among Russians. Putin has restored Russia’s position on the international stage after it fell with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Through his cunning, intelligence, strength, and strong personality, he has created a new Russia and reshaped the international system. He has managed to secure a place at the summit of his federal state at all levels, restoring the global balance on the international scene, standing up to the West, erasing unipolarity, and eliminating American hegemony. He has found his own path, placing Russia in the race and restoring its prestige after the decline it suffered due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

While analyzing the psychological environment of President Putin is significant, it is difficult to reach the true psychological environment of the leader or understand the correct psychological interpretation of his policies due to the difficulty in obtaining details of his genuine education or the situations and circumstances he has actually gone through, as leaders generally rarely disclose their personality, education, and true beliefs, and it is also possible that the leader avoids his psychological environment when establishing his strategies. Thus, this environment may not reflect in the leader’s decisions.

Putin’s Role in Strengthening Russian Cybersecurity

Since President Putin took office, Russia’s national strategy has emphasized protecting the Russian people from any threat jeopardizing their interests. Putin has also positioned certain countries and regional and international blocs as adversaries to the Russian state and as obstacles to Russia’s return to the international stage. With the considerable advancements in communication and information technologies that our current world is witnessing, in addition to the notable progress made by a number of countries in cyberspace, and with the increasing number of cyberattacks against Russia, President Putin realized that Russia’s rise and victory in the struggle for hegemony with the West, suppression of unipolarity, and elimination of American hegemony cannot be achieved solely by relying on conventional military power. Rather, it is necessary to consider modern unconventional energies. This is due to his conviction that the Russian state is a very influential and effective state, no less powerful than any other state. Thus, he decided to allocate a place to information and cybersecurity within the Russian national security strategy and worked on strengthening the information security system.

Since coming to power, Russian President Putin has played a significant role in reconfiguring Russia’s national security strategy in accordance with the global and regional changes occurring on the international scene, from which the Russian strategy derives its main sources, taking into account the threats and challenges that have hindered the progress of the Russian state in previous years. Analyzing the gaps of the Russian national strategy before its renewal has added a new dimension to the formulation of its strategies. Under Putin’s leadership, the Russian state has made tremendous progress in this area, namely cybersecurity, which the Russian national strategy has placed at the top of its priorities.

This article will highlight some of the roles played by President Vladimir Putin in strengthening Russian cybersecurity and in the rise of Russia in international cyberspace as a strong cyber power. This article will analyze some of Putin’s efforts to develop the realm occupied by information security within Russia’s security strategy under President Putin’s leadership, some of the measures he has taken to enhance cybersecurity, and some of Putin’s international agreements in cyberspace. This will clarify President Vladimir Putin’s role in strengthening Russian cybersecurity.

First: Cybersecurity in the Russian National Strategy under President Putin’s Leadership:

Cybersecurity has occupied a significant place in Russia’s national security strategy since President Putin came to power. Putin recognized the importance of the information sphere and saw the need to renew the strategy to keep pace with new developments and international changes. He emphasized the importance of Russian information security and the protection of Russia against any threat that undermines its national security. The Russian national security strategy has been reformulated to emphasize the significance of information security as one of the most used aspects by other countries to penetrate the security and information base of Russia and use it to interfere in Russian internal affairs. As previously emphasized, based on the principle of parity and reciprocity, the Russian political leadership announced the creation of a fully sovereign sector in the realm of the Internet and cybersecurity. This adds to strengthening guarantees against cyberattacks and systematically developing its technology sector according to global changes.

By analyzing the provisions relating to cybersecurity within the framework of the Russian security strategy, the researcher concluded that by comparing the strategy published in 2012 and its amendments with the strategy published in 2021, interest in cybersecurity has increased with each renewal of the strategy, and the provisions related to it have risen. Cybersecurity is at the core of the strategy, and through this focus, Russia’s cyber power is on the rise in cyberspace. This is due to the Russian doctrine aiming to displace and eliminate American hegemony in cyberspace and promote Russia’s rise as a superpower in this domain. This strategy, therefore, stems from conscious leadership that adapts to international events.

Russian National Security Strategy for 2012:
Interest in cybersecurity evolved in Russia’s security strategy. In the strategy published in 2012, Russian political leaders shifted their attention towards cybersecurity as it began to occupy a vital place within the strategy. The strategy underscored the necessity to establish legal frameworks and define the powers and responsibilities of the executive bodies working in the field of cybersecurity. It also underscored the state’s appointment of several individuals tasked with overseeing and controlling those working in this field. Additionally, the state allocated a budget to implement programs and work plans in the electronic realm to ensure the safety of automated control systems for information infrastructure. It also highlighted the need to enhance the information infrastructure, protect it from any alteration, and avert any threats that may affect it.

Russian National Security Strategy 2016:
The focus on cybersecurity broadens even further, as the domain of cybersecurity has been increasingly defined as related to protecting individuals, society, and the state from internal and external threats that cause damage to information. This strategy distinguished itself by analyzing security threats that affect the national security of the state due to the use of cyberspace, such as cybercrimes and espionage impacting the Russian state policy, as it demonstrated the significance of cybersecurity in confronting the threats the state faces in cyberspace, and how the Russian state exploits this technological advancement in the interest of its national security and political, economic, and military strength to support the state’s power, as cybersecurity adds a stronger dimension to the state than its mere reliance on traditional security aspects alone.

New Russian National Security Strategy for 2021:
In July 2021, President Vladimir Putin signed a new Russian national security strategy. One of the most critical elements of the Russian national security strategy was the enhancement of Russian cybersecurity and information security. The strategy aims to strengthen the information security of Russian military forces and producers of military weapons and equipment, develop means and methods to ensure information security using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, and prioritize using locally produced technologies in Russia’s information infrastructure.

This is why the new strategy emphasized the need to pay attention to enhancing information security, hoping that by employing new innovative means in the field of information security, the Russian state will have sufficient capability to confront the escalating threats affecting it. Moscow thus aims to achieve a level of technological production that emulates global developments in this sector. According to the text of the strategic document, there is an awareness of the risks and causes of cyber threats, as the Russian state is exposed to constant attacks from hostile countries and global technology companies targeting Russia, which block useful materials and disseminate inaccurate information that could harm Moscow.

To ensure Russia’s information security and reinforce its sovereignty in the information domain, the Russian strategy focused on strengthening cooperation with foreign partners in ensuring information security, specifically to serve in establishing a new international system in this field and creating a secure space for the exchange of reliable information. It also underscored the need to enhance the information sector infrastructure in Russia, increase the degree of immunity of the Russian sector against the Internet and prevent any foreign control over its activities, in addition to the necessity of preventing the destructive influence of information and technological means on Russian information resources, and creating appropriate conditions for detecting and preventing crimes over the Internet. It has also emphasized the need to work on minimizing the number of cases of leakage of confidential and personal data to the lowest possible level.

Second: The Most Important Measures and Procedures to Ensure Cybersecurity in Russia:

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation was established in May 2018 to organize and implement state policy in this regard. The Cybersecurity Department was designated as a department within the Ministry tasked with managing projects in the field of cybersecurity and managing preventive measures against cyber threats, within the aim of achieving stability, ensuring the protection and safety of information infrastructure, and building an effective security system. Russia has also developed a comprehensive platform for the computer sector dubbed “Digital Evolution.”

President Putin has monitored and defined a list of critical bodies requiring measures to ensure information security. He has issued several measures targeting federal executive bodies, supreme executive bodies of state power in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, state funds, state-owned enterprises, and other organizations established based on federal laws, strategic enterprises, strategic joint-stock companies, key organizations in the Russian economy, and legal entities subject to the critical information infrastructure of the Russian Federation. He ordered heads of these bodies to be personally responsible for information security and delegated the tasks of ensuring the information security of the body to the deputy director of each of them, to work on detecting, preventing, and eliminating the consequences of cyberattacks while improving rapid responses to these attacks. He also instructed the creation of a structural unit within each body to ensure the functions of guaranteeing its information security or to assign this task to an existing organizational structure. He emphasized that by January 2025, these bodies should not use foreign information security tools or their manufacturers, organizations located under the jurisdiction of these foreign states, directly or indirectly controlled by them, or affiliated with them, as this could pose a risk of conducting hostile actions against Russia or Russian legal entities and individuals, in addition to providing officials of the Federal Security Service access to information resources held or used by these bodies, with access ensured through the use of the Internet and telecommunications networks, as part of the monitoring process to ensure the optimal implementation of these tasks.

Third: Strengthening Russia’s Information Infrastructure under President Putin’s Leadership:

President Putin has made the enhancement of critical infrastructure one of the most important strategic objectives to ensure enhanced cybersecurity. He has thus embarked on developing it, improving its protection, and securing it against all forms of threats. Putin has been aware of the extent of losses that could result from damage to this infrastructure. He has highlighted that cyberattacks pose a threat to the country’s critical infrastructure. He has worked on developing an integrated approach to developing the information infrastructure. He has begun adopting an information security strategy aimed at protecting and developing the infrastructure, as the infrastructure has taken a significant place in the Russian national security strategy in order to improve the protection frameworks for information security. Putin has also sought to take several measures aimed at protecting the country’s infrastructures against electronic risks and devising development plans. A national center has been created within the Federal Security Service of Russia, striving to detect cyberattacks and manage the repercussions of these activities, to coordinate the fight against cyberattacks targeting infrastructures in Russia and develop preventive methods.

President Putin has clearly committed to enhancing the security and stability of vital information infrastructures, developing mechanisms to detect cyber threats and eliminate their consequences, and strengthening the protection of citizens against the effects of emergencies and technical consequences of attacks on information infrastructures. Therefore, Putin has taken numerous measures to enhance Russia’s information infrastructure. He has underscored the necessity to improve information infrastructure security to ensure sustainable interaction between state institutions and prevent foreign censorship from interfering in these matters. This aims to guarantee the integrity, stability, and security of Russia’s unified communications network, along with the safety of information transmitted through it and processed within information systems on the territory of the Russian Federation, in the context of efforts to ensure information security.

Fourth: Educating and Raising Awareness on the Importance of Information Security:

President Putin has worked hard to promote a culture of cybersecurity within society at both the institutional and individual levels. He has endeavored to raise public awareness about the importance of information security. The researcher has noted in President Putin’s speeches and meetings that he seeks to raise cybersecurity awareness among ordinary Russians by developing citizens’ skills to cope with cyber threats and increasing the level of cyber literacy within the general population. This is part of the framework aiming at enhancing cybersecurity in Russia. Russian leaders have taken a number of measures to improve and increase awareness regarding cybersecurity. A concept aiming to develop a culture of cybersecurity among Russians has been approved,, with a focus on regularly monitoring citizens’ levels of cyber literacy, informing them of the risks of non-compliance with cybersecurity rules, and enhancing their confidence in the information sphere. When working with officials, as indicated in the text, it is essential to focus on practical skills to confront cyber threats.

As part of disseminating the culture of information security, an official document was published in December 2022, aiming at raising awareness among Russian citizens about the importance of information security and increasing the required knowledge in the field of information security. This will lead to a decrease in crime rates and a reduction in risks and threats. This is done through public information campaigns directed at citizens, disseminating information on the importance of adhering to personal information security rules. Information is communicated to citizens through media that meet their interests, providing systematic work to include lessons aimed at improving information security literacy in the educational program, in addition to providing training and qualifications to staff in the area of information security, enabling businesses and institutions to cope with cyber threats, and designing and implementing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework in this area, to confront all forms of cybercrime.

The importance of cybersecurity for President Putin lies in its ability to enhance the capacity to counter intentional and unintentional threats stemming from cyberattacks from other countries or even individuals, and respond and recover from these attacks as swiftly as possible. Cybersecurity also necessitates considering any threat weighing on the electronic system, exposing it to a series of damages resulting from the disruption or destruction of information and communication technologies. This requires protecting networks and computers while massively strengthening data and information linked to Russian national security.

Russian strategic planning considers that technological attacks contribute to creating a distorted image of Russia, with the aim of threatening the international standing of Russia and destabilizing its internal situation via the internet and theIT network. For this reason, a number of countries have positioned cybersecurity strategies at the forefront of their national security priorities, ensuring comprehensive protection, whether through traditional protection methods represented by the military dimension or the unconventional security dimension represented by the crafting of a cybersecurity strategy.

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This book analyzes how the Russian government employs cyber operations, disinformation, and other tactics to undermine democracies.

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Details the activities of a Russian cyber-espionage group and their impact on global cybersecurity.

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Investigates the resurgence of Russia’s security apparatus and its influence on cyber strategies.

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Explores the role of Russian cyber activities in influencing political outcomes.

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Analyzes Russia’s security strategies, including cyber dimensions, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership.

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Examines the evolution of Russia’s security policies, with insights into cyber strategies.

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Discusses the central role of Putin’s administration in orchestrating cyber operations.

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Provides an introduction to Russian principles of information and cyber warfare.

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Explores Russia’s control over digital information and its implications for cyber warfare.

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Reveals insights into Russia’s strategic plans, including cyber tactics, to challenge the U.S.

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Analyzes how Russia utilizes information as a weapon, particularly in the cyber realm.

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Examines official Russian documents to understand their strategic approach, including cybersecurity.

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Discusses legal perspectives on cyber operations, with references to Russian activities.

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Explores Russia’s efforts to control its internet infrastructure and the cybersecurity implications.

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Discusses how countries, including Russia, engage in cyber operations to achieve geopolitical goals.

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