In the wake of recent Israeli cyber attacks that turned everyday communication devices into lethal weapons in Lebanon, the reliability of technological products and the security of supply chains have been scrutinised. This critical situation has reignited a global debate on the effectiveness of “domestic and national technology” as a protective measure against such vulnerabilities. İsmail Daily Evrensel’s Gökhan Bayram highlights the urgency of the issue, asking, “Can national technology truly safeguard us from the complexities and threats posed by supply chain attacks?”
Bayram raises significant concerns about how “local and national” technology is framed within the context of cybersecurity. “Where does this fit into cybersecurity?” he questions, urging a reassessment of the narrative surrounding national technological capabilities. He acknowledges that efforts to develop national technology are important, yet warns that they often boil down to the question of which capitalists benefit. “The distinction often lies between domestic capitalists and their international counterparts,” he explains.
To address whether domestic technology production can provide protection, Bayram emphasises the logistical challenges involved. “The problem is not whether we have the intellect or ideas, but the logistics of production,” he states. He elaborates that the supply chain for modern electronic devices typically spans dozens of countries, forming a complex web of interdependence. “Numerous suppliers contribute—from raw materials to software—creating a network that converges into the final product,” he notes.
Bayram argues that the notion of “Domestic and national technology can protect us from supply chain attacks” is fundamentally flawed. “What remains of this claim is merely a propaganda tool that benefits certain pockets,” he asserts. He illustrates his point by discussing the reliance on international suppliers and technologies, highlighting how “under capitalism, it is often more profitable to source these elements externally.”
Furthermore, he points to the machines necessary for advanced electronic production, saying, “If you plan to use extreme ultraviolet lithography in chip production, you will be queuing up alongside giants like Intel and Samsung.” He reminds us that in the realm of software, unless everything is developed from scratch, reliance on external libraries remains a risk.
The implications of supply chain attacks are serious, as Bayram explains, noting that “even if we could eliminate all dependency relationships in the production process, supply chain attacks would still pose a significant threat.” He reflects on the recent establishment of a Cyber Security Directorate in Turkey, which is intended to address increasing cybersecurity threats. However, he cautions, “It would be naïve to think that a government, which has politicised all public institutions for its own interests, would establish such an organisation solely to ensure our cybersecurity.”
