In response to elevated threats from countries like Russia and China, UK MPs and peers have initiated an inquiry to evaluate the protection of undersea internet cables crucial for national communications. The investigation follows Defence Secretary John Healey's warning about adversaries targeting these cables, particularly after a Russian spy vessel was spotted in UK waters. With 99% of the UK’s data transmitted through these cables, their vulnerability poses a considerable risk. The inquiry aims to enhance awareness of the need for robust measures against potential sabotage.
99% of the country's data passes through underseas internet cables, making them a soft target for action by foreign states seeking to covertly damage the UK.
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.
An attack of this nature would hit us hard. The awareness of the challenge is growing, but we must be clear-eyed about the risks and consequences.
The global internet, which is critical for international communications and commerce, relies on a network of 500 cables that carry 95% of internet traffic.
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