Byte by byte: Iran and Israel’s escalating cyberwar
Aug 20, 2024
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Shashank Joshi, The Economist's Defence Editor, and Simon Wright, the industry's editor, discuss the escalating cyberwar between Iran and Israel. Joshi reveals how Iranian hackers are stepping up their game following recent conflicts, posing new threats to Israeli security. Wright sheds light on the struggles faced by Boeing and Airbus amid rising competition from China's COMAC, redefining the aerospace landscape. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of cyber conflicts and the mounting challenges in the aviation sector.
The escalation of the cyber conflict between Iran and Israel indicates a strategic shift towards psychological operations aimed at societal unrest.
Emerging competitors, particularly from China, may disrupt the longstanding Boeing-Airbus duopoly amid significant challenges faced by both companies.
Deep dives
Air Travel's Competitive Landscape
The current air travel market is dominated by Boeing and Airbus, both of which are facing significant challenges. Boeing has encountered public safety concerns, including incidents like a door blowing out mid-flight, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and production slowdowns. Meanwhile, Airbus struggles with its own supply chain issues, hindering its ability to meet burgeoning demand. These challenges may create opportunities for emerging competitors, particularly from China, as the aerospace sector looks for alternatives to the existing duopoly.
Cyber Warfare Dynamics in Middle East Conflicts
The ongoing cyber conflict between Israel and its adversaries, particularly Iran, has escalated since recent hostilities began. Iranian and Hezbollah cyber operations are expanding, targeting various sectors, including hospitals, in a new approach that blends traditional hacking with psychological operations aimed at intimidating the Israeli public. This shift highlights a strategic pivot where the intention is not just to disrupt but to cause societal unrest through misinformation and targeted messaging. Although Israel retains a technological edge, the evolving capabilities of Iranian hackers indicate a future where this balance could shift.
Housing Affordability Trends in America
The affordability of living alone in urban America is changing, as evidenced by the recent update to the Cary Bradshaw Index. Major cities like New York continue to rank as unaffordable, while others like Detroit and Tucson have become more accessible for renters. This shift toward greater affordability is attributed to a construction boom and rising wages in several areas, particularly across the Sun Belt. As rental markets stabilize post-COVID, the dream of solo living is increasingly becoming a reality for many, provided they are willing to move away from high-cost cities.
While many people fear the risk of a wider war breaking out in the Middle East, a parallel battle is already ongoing – in the digital sphere. Can China challenge a long-standing duopoly in the airline industry (10:16)? And the latest Carrie Bradshaw index tells us where Americans can afford a solo apartment. Just don’t set your heart on New York… (17:22)