Contemporary Security Theories in the Era of Intelligent Transformation: The H-D-T Model, Emerging Challenges, and the Localization of Cybersecurity in Iran

Over the past decade, the intelligent transformation of societies and institutions has fundamentally reshaped the concept of security, extending it beyond traditional frameworks centered on military power and hard security. The emergence of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data has transformed patterns of threats and defense, giving rise to new theoretical paradigms in security studies. This study aims to re-examine and theoretically analyze contemporary security theories in the era of intelligent transformation through a comparative assessment of classical security paradigms—including Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and the Copenhagen School—and emerging approaches such as network security, data-centric security, human-centric security, cognitive security, and algorithmic security. The study employs a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA protocol. Theoretical data were collected through a comprehensive review of both international and Persian scholarly literature. The findings indicate that contemporary security theories are primarily structured around three fundamental shifts: (1) the transition from state-centric to network-centric security; (2) the growing prominence of soft and cognitive power over traditional hard power; and (3) the integration of advanced technologies into security as a dynamic and adaptive system. Building upon these findings, the study proposes the Human–Data–Technology (H-D-T) Model as a conceptual framework for redefining security in the era of intelligent transformation. Preliminary validation of the model was conducted through its application to recent cyberattacks targeting Iran. By incorporating the country's cultural and geopolitical context, the proposed framework offers an innovative approach to localizing cybersecurity concepts while integrating technological, human, and contextual dimensions within a unified analytical model.