THE HIDDEN LIFELINES: Subsea Cables, Maritime Security, and Cybersecurity Under Global Scrutiny (A Reflection) BY JOSÉ AMARO

JOSÉ AMARO Cybersecurity/Maritime Security Consultant
Subsea telecommunications cables, the backbone of the global internet, carry over 97% of international data traffic. These critical infrastructures are increasingly vulnerable to threats, including natural disasters, sabotage, and cyberattacks. Recent incidents, such as the 2023 damage to the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and South Atlantic 3 (SAT3), highlight the urgency for enhanced protection measures.
Key Threats to Subsea Cables
- Natural Disasters: Rockfalls, earthquakes, and tsunamis can severely disrupt cable networks.
- Sabotage and Espionage: Incidents in contested regions, like the South China Sea, emphasize the need for vigilance.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Attacks on landing stations and cable systems are becoming more sophisticated.
Technological Advancements in Cable Security
- SMART Cables: Equipped with sensors to detect seismic activity, ship movements, and temperature changes, these cables act as early warning systems.
- AI-Powered Surveillance: Artificial intelligence enhances threat detection, using AIS and RADAR data to monitor vessel movements and create geo-fences around vulnerable areas.
- Integrated Security Platforms: Systems like YARIS and SEAVISION adapt to monitor subsea cables, tracking vessel activity in real-time to prevent potential damage.
Global Collaboration is Key
Securing subsea cables demands a global effort. Frameworks like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provide a foundation, but modern threats require updated strategies and international cooperation. Enhanced maritime security measures, combined with advanced technology and robust policy frameworks, are essential to protect these digital lifelines.
The security of subsea cables is not just a national concern but a global responsibility, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of data that powers our interconnected world.
The Road Ahead
As subsea cables become increasingly vital to global communication, their protection must be a top priority. By combining advanced technologies like SMART cables and AI-powered surveillance with robust international policies, the telecom industry can mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of these digital lifelines.
The stakes are high, but through innovation and cooperation, we can secure the infrastructure that keeps the world connected.
To read the complete article, check out Issue 140 of the Sub Tel Forum Magazine here