News - Armenia Strengthens Cybersecurity Measures in Preparation for 2026 Elections

In recent developments, Armenia has made significant strides in bolstering its cybersecurity landscape. This comes following the adoption of a comprehensive Cybersecurity Law in 2025, poised for enforcement starting next year. The law aims to fortify the nation's digital infrastructure, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 parliamentary elections, which have historically prompted an uptick in foreign intelligence activity within the country. Amidst this backdrop, the Armenian government and private sectors are ramping up their defenses against a rising tide of cyber threats. These defensive efforts are bolstered by increased collaborations with international cybersecurity experts and firms, aiming to safeguard key sectors such as finance and media against potential breaches. An analysis of recent cyber incidents indicates a disturbing trend of targeted attacks on NGOs and media outlets within Armenia. These attacks have been mostly associated with foreign actors, with a notable interest attributed to Russian entities. These breaches have prompted Armenian authorities to enhance their threat detection and response mechanisms, ensuring rapid response and mitigation strategies are in place. Interestingly, security analysts have observed a notable cessation of spyware infections linked to the notorious Pegasus software. This decrease in spyware activity has been attributed to strategic international collaborations and a collective crackdown on suppliers and exploiters of such malicious tools. Despite the success in curbing spyware, Armenia faces a growing challenge in cybercrime and fraud, particularly those perpetrated using sophisticated AI-driven tactics. Financial institutions increasingly find themselves in the crosshairs of cybercriminals employing malware to exploit vulnerabilities within banking networks. In response to these threats, Armenian cybersecurity agencies are employing advanced AI and machine learning technologies as a crucial line of defense. These modern tools aid in predicting and neutralizing potential threats before they can cause significant damage, marking a strategic pivot towards a proactive cybersecurity posture. Looking ahead, the Armenian government remains committed to building a resilient digital environment. They are focused on continuing to update and enforce cybersecurity policies, educating stakeholders, and fostering a culture of security awareness across all sectors. These initiatives stand as Armenia's bulwark against the escalating complexities of cybersecurity threats in an interconnected world.