MPs and Lords will examine threats to undersea cables in a
new inquiry launched
today by the Joint Committee on the National Security
Strategy (JCNSS).
Undersea fibre-optic cables are the ‘backbone' of the world's
internet system, underpinning global commerce and communications.
Over 500 cables carry around 95% of all international data, with
demand set to increase in coming years.
These cables are often long and remote, making them difficult and
costly to monitor. They are vulnerable to natural events,
accidental damage by vessels or deliberate sabotage.
Around 60 cables connect the UK to the outside world. This
provides reasonable resilience if one is damaged—but the impact
of simultaneous damage to multiple cables would be significant,
particularly during periods of heightened tension or conflict.
On-shore cable landing stations may also be targeted.
Although the Government has taken steps to improve maritime
security in recent years, concern is growing about both the
capability and intent of hostile states. Defence Secretary told MPs last week that the UK
was monitoring Russian spy ship Yantar, which he said was mapping
critical underwater infrastructure.
A number of cables in northern European waters – including those
providing links between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and the
Shetland Islands – have been severed over the past few years.
Over 50 Russian vessels have been observed around areas of high
cable density in the Baltic Sea. Further afield, concerns have
been raised about Chinese sabotage—particularly around Taiwan.
The inquiry will explore the UK's ability to defend our subsea
infrastructure, and how this might change in the coming years as
technology develops. The inquiry will look at UK strategy,
engagement with allies and partners, options for improving
deterrence and redress, and the adequacy of cross-Government
co-ordination. It will also examine the UK's resilience in the
event of major disruption to internet infrastructure.
Full terms of reference are available on the Committee's website.
Submissions can be made via the Committee's website until 11.59pm
on 6 March.
MP, Chair of the JCNSS,
said:
“Our internet relies on undersea cables: around 99% of our data
goes through them, connecting the UK to the outside world.
“As the geopolitical environment worsens, foreign states are
seeking asymmetric ways to hold us at risk. Our internet cable
network looks like an increasingly vulnerable soft underbelly.
“There is no need for panic—we have a good degree of resilience,
and awareness of the challenge is growing. But we must be
clear-eyed about the risks and consequences: an attack of this
nature would hit us hard.
“Our inquiry will look at what's needed to defend our subsea
cables, and consider the UK's national resilience should our
internet face major disruption”.
