Assessing Sabotage Risks in Submarine Internet Cables

Introduction

Sabotage of submarine cables can pose risks to the global internet. These cables, which stretch across the ocean floor, connect countries and continents, making them critical for worldwide communication.

Global Dependency on Submarine Cables

In 2021, around 500 submarine cables, totaling 1.3 million kilometers, crossed the oceans, according to Total Telecom. These structures are responsible for nearly all information exchange globally, as highlighted by Johannes Peters, coordinator of the Maritime Strategy and Security Center at the University of Kiel.

Risks and Possible Sabotages

Recently, concerns about possible acts of sabotage have emerged. A study from the University of Washington reveals that ten cables have been severed since 2022, with seven of them damaged between November 2024 and January 2025.

Russia is often cited as a suspect due to anchor marks and ship activities in the area. However, there is no concrete evidence confirming the intent behind these damages, which could also result from accidents.

Other Suspicions

China is also being investigated for possible involvement in cable breakages in the Baltic Sea, with Sweden requesting cooperation from the Chinese government to investigate an incident that occurred in 2024.

Impacts on Pacific Cables

In the Pacific, there are concerns about the security of cables connecting Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States. Local governments fear that a conflict with China could lead to attacks on these vital infrastructures.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies reports that China has developed a ship capable of cutting cables at depths of up to 4,000 meters, increasing the likelihood of intentional damage.

Consequences of Cable Destruction

According to Kenny Huang from the Asia Pacific Information Center, severing a main cable results in the total loss of internet connectivity for the affected region. This would severely impact communication, the economy, and other essential sectors, especially in Taiwan.

Vulnerabilities

In addition to physical damage, there is the risk of data interception, where rival nations could exploit the vulnerabilities of communications. The necessity to strengthen cybersecurity becomes even more urgent, as mentioned in Global Defense Insight magazine.

Ease of Sabotages

Peters explains that the destruction of submarine cables can be carried out using simple methods, such as the use of anchors. This makes surveillance in strategic areas, like the Baltic Sea, crucial.

Preventive Actions and Legislation

To enhance the protection of cables, Huang suggests the enactment of strict laws penalizing intentional cuts and the development of preventive technical measures. These could include rerouting data traffic and implementing backup plans.

Legal and Technical Obstacles

Still, in wartime scenarios, the protection of submarine cables is deemed inadequate. Japan and other allies are reviewing their strategies to safeguard this infrastructure, including excluding Chinese companies from sensitive projects.

Conclusion

The protection of submarine cables is a matter of national security and global stability. Attacking this critical infrastructure can lead to severe consequences, not only for communications but also across various social and economic sectors.