How Global Internet Access Relies on A Few Hundred Vulnerable Undersea Cables

In an era where digital connectivity is the backbone of global communication and commerce, the infrastructure that supports this vast network remains largely out of sight and, unfortunately, out of mind. Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, succinctly highlighted this oversight when he said: 

“If you ask people what the internet runs on, most will say satellites. But it actually runs on less than 500—not millions, not ten sof thousands—undersea cables embedded in the deepest parts of the sea. These cables are a point of immense vulnerability.”

The Backbone Beneath the Waves

Most people assume that satellites power the internet, but the truth is far different. The vast majority of global communication, including internet traffic, flows through undersea cables. These submarine fiber-optic cables carry about 97% of global data, making them the backbone of the modern internet.

The undersea cable network is a vast web of hundreds of cables stretching over 1.4 million kilometers along the ocean floor. These cables connect nearly every country on Earth, ensuring that information flows seamlessly between continents. Everything from emails and web pages to financial transactions and video calls relies on this hidden infrastructure.

The importance of undersea cables cannot be overstated. They handle an astonishing amount of international data, enabling instant communication across the globe. These cables also boast immense capacity, transmitting multiple terabits of data per second. Without them, the modern digital world would grind to a halt, affecting businesses, governments, and everyday internet users.

Satellites might seem like the obvious solution for global communication, but they have limitations. Undersea cables are much faster, offering significantly lower latency. They also provide vastly superior bandwidth, meaning they can handle more data at a time. Reliability is another factor—while satellites are vulnerable to weather and technical issues, undersea cables are generally more dependable. While satellites have their place, they cannot match the scale and efficiency of submarine cables.

Our reliance on undersea cables is only increasing. Tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft now control nearly half of the world’s undersea bandwidth. This highlights the critical role these cables play in powering the global digital economy. Every day, they ensure the smooth operation of international trade, communication, and innovation.

Despite their importance, undersea cables are vulnerable. Accidental damage from fishing activities and ship anchors accounts for most cable faults, but intentional sabotage is an even bigger concern. Recent incidents, such as damages to cables in the Red Sea, have shown just how exposed this infrastructure can be. These vulnerabilities could disrupt global communication and commerce, highlighting the need for greater investment in their protection.

The undersea cable network is the lifeblood of the internet, yet it remains largely out of sight and out of mind. To ensure its continued reliability, nations and corporations must prioritize safeguarding these vital lines of communication. As our digital world grows, the importance of protecting undersea cables will only become more critical.

Vulnerabilities in the Deep

Undersea communication cables form the backbone of global internet and telecommunications infrastructure, but they face significant vulnerabilities. These threats can be broadly divided into physical and digital categories, each presenting unique challenges to the security and reliability of this essential network.

The most common threat to undersea cables is unintentional physical damage, which accounts for roughly 150 to 200 faults each year. Commercial fishing activities, ship anchors, and natural disasters such as underwater earthquakes and landslides are the main culprits behind these incidents. However, deliberate sabotage is an increasing concern. State or non-state actors could potentially destroy or cut cables, disrupting global communications. Additionally, cables can be tapped for espionage purposes, raising concerns about data security. Certain regions, such as the South China Sea and the Red Sea, are particularly vulnerable due to their strategic importance and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Digital threats, while less frequent, pose another layer of vulnerability. Cyber attacks could potentially compromise the data flowing through undersea cables, threatening the privacy and security of information. The involvement of companies from high-risk countries in the installation, repair, or maintenance of cables adds to these concerns, as they could introduce security risks during these processes.

Emerging threats have recently drawn more attention to undersea cable vulnerabilities. Activities in the “gray zone,” such as deniable attacks short of war, are becoming more common. For instance, there have been allegations of cables being cut near Taiwan’s Matsu Islands. State-sponsored threats are also a growing worry, with reports of increased Russian military activity around key undersea cables, suggesting the possibility of sabotage operations.

Geopolitical tensions further heighten these risks. Incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline explosion and recent disruptions in the Red Sea highlight the susceptibility of undersea infrastructure to the fallout of international conflicts.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend several measures. Enhanced protection for undersea cables, stronger international cooperation, and the development of redundant systems are critical steps to ensure the resilience of this global infrastructure. With the increasing reliance on undersea cables for internet and telecommunications, safeguarding them has become a priority for governments and organizations worldwide.

The Red Sea Incident

In late February 2024, several critical undersea communication cables in the Red Sea were damaged, causing widespread internet disruptions between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These submarine cables form the backbone of global digital communication, and their damage created significant challenges for international data traffic.

Four major cables were affected: SEACOM, TGN-Gulf, Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1), and Europe India Gateway (EIG). These cables handle a substantial portion of the data flow between continents, and the damage disrupted approximately 25% of internet traffic between Asia and Europe. HGC Global Communications reported that nearly 80% of westbound traffic from Asia relies on these cables, underscoring their critical role. The disruption forced telecom providers to reroute data through alternative pathways, leading to slower internet speeds and increased costs.

The exact cause of the damage remains unclear, but early investigations indicated the affected cable segment was within Yemeni maritime jurisdiction in the Southern Red Sea. Some speculated that the sinking of the British cargo ship Rubymar, which was attacked by Houthi forces on February 18, 2024, might have contributed to the incident. However, no definitive link has been established, and the true cause is still under investigation.

Repair efforts faced significant delays due to the ongoing conflict in the region and the need to obtain permits from Yemeni authorities. By July 2024, some progress had been made: the AAE-1 cable was restored, and work on the SEACOM and EIG cables was underway. However, the delay in repairs highlighted the challenges of maintaining undersea infrastructure in conflict zones.

This incident also shed light on the geopolitical complexities of the Red Sea. The region has seen frequent Houthi attacks on shipping, although the group denied targeting the cables directly. Regardless, the event exposed the vulnerabilities of undersea cables, particularly in areas affected by conflict and instability.

The Red Sea cable disruption reminds us of the importance of undersea infrastructure for global communications. It also highlighted the difficulties of maintaining and protecting these vital systems in geopolitically sensitive areas, where damage can have far-reaching consequences for international connectivity.

Cold War History: Operation Ivy Bells

I remember sitting around the kitchen table several years ago, shooting the breeze with an unnamed family member of mine who spent over 20 years below the sea on submarines. One of the most impressive stories he told me was how they tapped into a Soviet undersea cable off the east coast of Russia and intercepted Soviet military communications. The program has long since been declassified.

In its day, Operation Ivy Bells was one of the most daring and highly classified missions conducted by the United States during the Cold War. The operation, a joint effort by the U.S. Navy, CIA, and NSA, aimed to tap into Soviet underwater communication cables to gather critical intelligence. It was designed to uncover details about Soviet naval activities and nuclear capabilities, providing the U.S. with an edge in the escalating tension of the era.

The mission began in the early 1970s and ran for nearly a decade, taking place in the Sea of Okhotsk off the eastern coast of Russia. The target was a Soviet undersea cable connecting the naval base at Petropavlovsk to the Pacific Fleet headquarters in Vladivostok. This cable carried vital communications, and intercepting it would yield invaluable insights into Soviet military operations.

To carry out the mission, the U.S. used specially modified submarines like the USS Halibut. These subs were equipped to locate the Soviet cables and deploy divers to depths of about 400 feet to install 20-foot-long listening devices directly onto the cables. The operation required incredible precision and bravery, as the missions took place in Soviet territorial waters, which were equipped with sophisticated underwater detection systems. Each month, the submarines would return to retrieve the recorded tapes and install fresh ones, ensuring a continuous flow of intelligence.

Operation Ivy Bells was a resounding success, revealing a treasure trove of unencrypted Soviet communications. The intelligence gathered provided detailed information about Soviet naval operations, particularly activities at their nuclear submarine base in Petropavlovsk. This data helped U.S. policymakers understand Soviet fears of potential American attacks, which in turn played a role in de-escalating Cold War tensions. The mission’s success highlighted the effectiveness of such high-risk espionage in shaping global geopolitics.

However, the operation came to an abrupt end in 1981. Soviet warships were suddenly observed patrolling above the tap site, signaling that the mission had been compromised. It was later discovered that Ronald Pelton, an NSA employee, had sold information about Operation Ivy Bells to the KGB for $35,000. This betrayal not only ended the operation but also exposed the vulnerabilities inherent in high-stakes intelligence missions.

Operation Ivy Bells reminds us of the ingenuity, daring, and risks of Cold War espionage. While its success demonstrated the incredible capabilities of U.S. intelligence, its compromise served as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities and consequences of betrayal in such secretive operations.

Current Geopolitical Tensions and Strategic Threats

The Imperative for Enhanced Security Measures

The need for stronger security measures to protect undersea communication cables has become increasingly urgent. As noted, these cables are the backbone of global internet infrastructure, carrying nearly all of the world’s internet traffic. However, they are vulnerable to both physical and digital threats, raising significant national security concerns. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has acknowledged these risks, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding these assets.

One of the main challenges is that current regulations governing undersea cables are outdated. The FCC’s last comprehensive review of underwater internet cable rules was in 2001. Over two decades later, these regulations have not kept pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape, leaving this infrastructure exposed to new and emerging threats.

Geopolitical tensions are compounding these vulnerabilities. Concerns are growing about potential sabotage or espionage targeting undersea cables, particularly involving companies from certain countries that are responsible for their installation, maintenance, or repair. These activities could pose significant security risks, underscoring the need for stricter oversight and protective measures.

To address these challenges, several initiatives are being proposed or implemented. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing a white paper to outline strategies for improved collaboration between the federal government and industry to enhance cable network security. The FCC is also considering a major overhaul of submarine cable licensing rules. Proposed changes include more frequent reviews of cable licensees, expanded application requirements, the adoption of specific security practices, and increased accountability for contractors involved in cable projects.

International efforts are also underway. The European Commission has released its first recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cable infrastructures, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to protecting these vital assets.

Collaboration between government agencies is becoming a key focus. The U.S. Congress is considering legislation requiring DHS to establish an interagency working group dedicated to assessing and reporting on the protection of commercial undersea telecommunications cables and their associated landing stations. This initiative would bring together expertise from various agencies to address the complex challenges of undersea cable security.

These efforts highlight the critical need to enhance security measures for undersea communication cables. Strengthening their protection is essential to safeguarding national security, ensuring uninterrupted global connectivity, and maintaining the integrity of international communications infrastructure.

Summing Up

Admiral Stavridis’s observation serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden yet vital infrastructure that underpins our modern world. As geopolitical tensions rise and the potential for both accidental and intentional disruptions increases, it is imperative that nations and private entities prioritize the security of undersea cables. The stability of global communications, economic transactions, and, by extension, international security depends on it.