A looming threat to global internet stability surfaces as experts warn of Russia’s potential to disrupt undersea cables essential for international data transmission.
Quick Takes
- Russia is suspected of using a “shadow fleet” to target undersea cables.
- NATO and European officials are urged to enhance protection measures.
- Russia’s activities could threaten global communications and power infrastructure.
- Over 50 Russian ships have been observed in high-risk areas, prompting concern.
Threat to Global Connectivity
Russian interference with undersea telecommunications cables poses a severe risk to global internet services. Reported incidents in the Baltic and North Seas show aging tankers dragging anchors and severing cables, causing significant outages. Efforts to protect these essential lines are underway, with NATO military chiefs alarmed by the potential for widespread internet blackouts. The security of these cables, which carry 95% of international data, is of utmost importance.
NATO and telecom companies, including Vodafone and Telefonica, are pushing for enhanced defenses. They have alerted UK, EU, and NATO authorities about the increased risk from Russian sabotage operations. These concerns are backed by evidence of Russian spy vessels mapping underwater infrastructure, highlighting vulnerabilities facing these international communication lifelines.
How robot submarines fight to keep the UK's lights on in North Sea drone battle | Cahal Milmo, iNews
As Russia likely deploys autonomous submarines to map and monitor vital data cables in UK waters, the “drone war” that has developed in the skies above the battlefields of… pic.twitter.com/K6zKvy0ttt
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) December 25, 2024
Russia’s Covert Operations
European officials have accused Russia of deliberately targeting critical infrastructure. The use of a “shadow fleet” alleged to perform secretive operations gives Moscow plausible deniability, complicating international monitoring and responses. “Russia gets a number of advantages from using its shadow fleet… the most important one is deniability and ambiguity,” said Henri van Soest, a senior analyst at RAND Europe.
The Baltic Sea’s shallow depth adds to its vulnerability, as subsea cables are easily accessible and simple to cut. Repairing these cables is expensive and time-consuming, with only a limited number of dedicated repair ships available worldwide. Legal challenges further complicate efforts to police suspicious vessels outside territorial waters, allowing this “grey zone” warfare tactic to continue unfettered.
Strategic Responses
To counter these threats, the EU and NATO are implementing protective measures such as the “Baltic Sentry” program and investing in new safeguarding infrastructure. NATO’s deployment of ships in the Baltic Sea aims to protect these critical undersea cables from further interference. However, with the vast scope of Russia’s activities, experts stress the need for continued vigilance and enhancement of security protocols.
Telecom companies, recognizing the global stakes, have collectively stated, “The repercussions of damage to subsea cables extend far beyond Europe, potentially affecting global internet and power infrastructure, international communications, financial transactions, and critical services worldwide.”
Russia’s advanced undersea technology, coupled with its use of these covert tactics, continues to challenge global stability. The risk of a significant disruption highlights the need for coordinated international efforts to safeguard global connectivity.
Sources:
- Cable-slicing ships show Russia pressing on a Western weak spot
- Russian cable attacks ‘threaten to cut off world’s internet’
- Europe’s new war with Russia: Deep sea sabotage – POLITICO
- Russia could cause ‘worldwide internet blackouts’ by sabotaging undersea cables as Nato warned over danger posed to ‘defenceless’ cables used for vital infrastructure | Daily Mail Online
