DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES AND CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE CURRENT MILITARY DEFENSE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Dual-use technologies—systems and capabilities applicable to both civilian and military domains—have become a central component of modern defense ecosystems, situated at the intersection of accelerated technological innovation and evolving strategic security requirements. This paper analyzes the cybersecurity challenges arising from the integration of dual-use technologies into the defense architectures of NATO, the European Union, and Romania, with a particular focus on regulation as a key instrument for control, security, and strategic governance. The study highlights that dual-use regulation, including international frameworks such as the Wassenaar Arrangement and European Union legislation (Regulation EU 2021/821), directly shapes access to, transfer of, and deployment of critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced semiconductors. In this context, regulation functions not only as a mechanism for mitigating proliferation risks, but also as a strategic factor influencing technological sovereignty and competitive advantage. Beyond the normative dimension, the paper examines cybersecurity risks associated with dual-use ecosystems, including supply chain vulnerabilities, reliance on commercial digital infrastructure, cyber espionage, and risks arising from the use of artificial intelligence systems in hybrid civil–military environments. Institutional limitations are also addressed, particularly slow procurement cycles and interoperability fragmentation within NATO and the EU. In conclusion, securing dual-use technologies requires an integrated approach combining regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation to strengthen resilience and ensure security in the contemporary defense landscape