As U.S. tensions rise with Iran, a Tulane expert warns Louisiana faces no direct military threat but highlights potential cyber risks to its critical infrastructure.
NEW ORLEANS — As tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a Tulane University cybersecurity expert says there is no credible military threat to Louisiana — but there are other risks residents should understand.
Joshua Copeland, an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Tulane and a 20-year military veteran, says while Iran does not have the capability to physically strike Louisiana, overseas conflict can still have local consequences.
“While there’s no credible threat specific to Louisiana or New Orleans in particular, there is a history of cyber operations, influence and misinformation campaigns,” Copeland said.
Copeland explained that international conflicts often come with what he calls “second and third order effects” — including network probing, website disruptions, ransomware attacks, and coordinated online messaging efforts designed to amplify fear.
“These activities are often meant to create economic and psychological impact,” he said.
Why New Orleans could be a digital target
Copeland pointed to the region’s critical infrastructure as a potential area of concern from a cyber security standpoint.
“Specifically for New Orleans, you have very critical infrastructure — like the Port of New Orleans, maritime logistics, energy and petrochemical facilities, as well as large public venues and tourism,” he said. “That can make it an attractive target for folks who want to do bad things.”
Louisiana plays a major role in shipping, energy production, and Gulf Coast commerce — sectors that rely heavily on secure digital networks.
However, Copeland stressed that current open-source reporting does not indicate any specific or credible threat to the state.
“For us, the risk is very minimal,” he said. “The Iranian government does not have the ability to reach out and physically touch the United States or Louisiana particularly.”
What residents and businesses should do
Copeland advises organizations to review cybersecurity practices and maintain strong digital hygiene.
“If you run an organization, talk to your cybersecurity professionals,” he said. “Make sure you have robust hygiene.”
For the public, his message is simple: stay informed, but don’t panic.
“The big thing is maintaining awareness, not alarm,” Copeland said. “If you see something, say something.”
He adds that the situation overseas remains dynamic and could evolve quickly in the coming days.
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