CRIMINAL PROTECTION OF CLASSIFIED DATA IN COMPUTER SPACE

Abstract

Classified data is considered a vital asset in the security, economic and social fields, and any attack on it can cause heavy losses. Computer space, with its features such as transnationality and anonymity, has paved the way for committing crimes against this data. In fact, the main concern of this research is to answer the question of to what extent the Iranian criminal law system has been able to effectively protect classified data in computer space by utilizing substantive and formal regulations? The present study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method with the aim of explaining and analyzing the substantive and formal dimensions of criminal protection of classified data in the computer space and providing legal and legislative solutions to improve the efficiency of the Iranian criminal system in this area. Based on the findings of the study, although Iranian criminal law has covered some of the threats through criminalization and the provision of formal mechanisms, it still faces legislative gaps, implementation challenges, and weaknesses in judicial mechanisms that prevent the full realization of criminal protection. Therefore, reviewing existing laws, utilizing the experiences of other countries, and further compliance with international documents can be an effective step in ensuring the security of classified data.