Representation of Preventive Strategies for Cybercrimes in Critical Energy Infrastructures with an Emphasis on the Role of the Energy Police

Abstract

The emergence of computer and internet technology has not only revolutionized human life but has also facilitated the rise of cybercrimes, which pose a serious threat to critical infrastructures, particularly in the energy sector. These tools function both as instruments for committing crimes and as targets of such crimes. In Iran, the enactment of the Computer Crimes Act in 2009 aimed to establish a legal framework to combat these offenses. However, significant legal gaps remain in the domain of cybersecurity offenses. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, examines preventive strategies against cybercrimes targeting critical energy infrastructures and highlights the role of the Energy Police as a key actor in this field. Cybercrimes, due to the lack of necessity for the offender’s physical presence, have a higher likelihood of occurrence and recurrence and may acquire both domestic and international dimensions. Today, cyber warfare is an integral part of inter-state competition, and energy infrastructures, as the backbone of economic and security frameworks, constitute the primary targets of these crimes. Various factors, including political, military, economic, and cultural motives, contribute to the commission of these offenses. From a legal perspective, challenges such as legislative gaps, the absence of effective guarantees to prevent recidivism, and the lack of deterrence in certain penalties persist. The prevention of these crimes requires collaboration and coordination among various institutions at both criminal and non-criminal levels. In this regard, the Energy Police, as a specialized entity, can play a significant role in identifying, preventing, and countering cyber threats in the energy sector. Despite the enactment of the Crime Prevention Act in 2011, criticisms have been raised regarding its excessive generality and the lack of effective coordination among relevant institutions. Ensuring cybersecurity in energy infrastructures necessitates continuous and coordinated efforts across multiple levels.