Russia is attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in underwater infrastructure, including communications cables, wind farms and pipelines, which could cut more than a billion people off the Internet and other means of communication.
Underwater threat
Sabotage of underwater communications
According to NATO commander Didier Maleter, Russia is trying to use the vulnerabilities of the underwater infrastructure to waging hybrid warfare. More than 90% of Internet and communications between North America and Europe are carried through submarine cables, which are vulnerable to sabotage. Most of these infrastructure facilities were created by the private sector without adequate protection against hybrid threats.
Sabotage incidents
Maleter's latest statement came against the background of two recent incidents of sabotage of gas pipelines in the Baltic at sea: explosions on Nord Stream 1 and 2 in September 2022 and damage to the Balticconnector in October 2023. According to Finland, the second incident occurred due to the intentional damage of the cable by the anchor of the Chinese ship.
NATO countermeasures
In order to improve the security of underwater infrastructure, NATO is creating a special center in Great Britain. In addition, the alliance uses more than 100 ships, including nuclear-powered submarines, to patrol maritime spaces. Satellite systems and artificial intelligence software are also used to detect suspicious activity. However, Maleter points out the difficulty of identifying the perpetrators of hybrid attacks, especially when powerful powers such as Russia are behind them.
Strengthening of the naval force
The NATO commander also emphasized the importance of the joining of Finland and Sweden to the alliance, which contributed to the strengthening of the naval forces of the union.
Glossary
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an intergovernmental military-political organization created in 1949 for collective defense and peacekeeping and security in the North Atlantic region.
- Nord Stream 1 and 2 are powerful gas pipelines that transport Russian natural gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea.
- Balticconnector is a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, which connects the gas transport systems of the two countries and provides an alternative way to deliver gas to Finland.
- Marcom (Allied Maritime Command) - NATO's maritime command, whose headquarters is located in Northwood, Great Britain.
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Discussion of the topic – A billion people may be left without the Internet due to Russia's
A billion people could be without connection due to Russia's attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in underwater infrastructure, including wind farms, pipelines and power cables.
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Oksana
It's truly amazing how dependent we are on underwater infrastructure! 🌊 Do you understand what hybrid wars are, apart from sabotage on pipelines and cables? Interesting to hear your opinion.
Андрій
Unfortunately, we often underestimate the importance of the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. 😕 These threats remind us how vulnerable we are. But I am sure that NATO will do everything possible to protect us.
Франц
I have heard that hybrid wars can involve disinformation, cyber attacks and economic pressure. This is disturbing. 😨 But I believe in the power of cooperation and solidarity in the fight against such threats.
Антон
It is good that NATO is creating a special center for monitoring underwater activity. 👀 This will help detect and prevent future attacks. While this won't stop some villains, at least we'll be more vigilant.
Марта
It's hard to believe that just one damage to an underwater cable can cut off a billion people from the Internet! 😱 This shows how dependent we are on global communications. We must value them and protect them.
Євген
I am grateful that NATO uses AI and satellites to track suspicious activity. 🛰️ But how can they detect hidden threats, especially if the enemy uses advanced technology? This is worrying.
Віктор
I was surprised that Finland blamed a Chinese ship for damaging the Balticconnector. 🤔 This is another proof that we live in very difficult times, when trust between countries is decreasing.
Юрій
Hey, the old grunt is here! 👴 Don't you find all these underwater internet and hybrid warfare trends funny? In my time, we didn't need all this! 😠 Nothing changes, people always want power and destroy things.
Соня
I understand old Yuri's concern, but progress is inevitable. 🤷♀️ Instead of ignoring threats, we need to come together and find solutions. Technology can be used for both good and evil. It all depends on our intentions.
Петро
It's really fascinating how NATO uses the latest technology to protect underwater infrastructure! 🤖 It reminded me of the importance of innovation and adapting to new challenges. We cannot be stuck in the past.
Ганна
It scares me a little that even the private sector was not ready for hybrid wars. 😰 This is a reminder that we must be vigilant and ready for new forms of threats, especially in the digital age.
Йоан
I can't help but think of the terrible war in Ukraine when I read about these underwater threats. 🇺🇦 This is another example of how cruel people can be to each other. We must work for peace and mutual understanding.
Наталія
I am interested in how NATO is going to protect the underwater infrastructure in the long term. 🕰️ Are there plans to replace old cables and pipelines with safer systems? This could reduce the risks.
Артур
I am proud that NATO is taking the lead in protecting our underwater infrastructure. 💪 This is an important step to ensure the continuity of global communications and prevent disasters. I hope that other countries will also join this effort.