Global communications and data transmission are vital components of our interconnected world. As technology advances, so does the need to protect the infrastructure that supports these communications. The US government, along with international partners, has recognized the importance of strengthening the security and resiliency of undersea cable infrastructure to safeguard against compromise.

Recent joint efforts have emphasized the incorporation of cybersecurity best practices in the design of undersea cable infrastructure. By reducing the risk of cyber threats, we can ensure the integrity of global communications networks.

At the 79th annual United Nations General Assembly, a joint statement endorsed by the US, UK, Canada, France, the EU, and other countries raised concerns about the national security risks associated with our increasing dependency on communication technologies. Undersea cables, in particular, play a crucial role in transmitting vast amounts of data globally and must be protected.

The sheer scale of undersea cable infrastructure underscores the need for a comprehensive global strategy. This strategy includes considerations beyond the cables themselves, such as construction, operation, surveillance, maintenance, and repair of landing stations, software, and terrestrial connections.

It is imperative to safeguard the security, resilience, and integrity of undersea cables to support global communications, economic growth, and development. The statement emphasizes the importance of managing security risks, promoting best practices, and ensuring the secure and resilient operation of these critical infrastructure networks.

Rising geopolitical tensions have further underscored the risk of undersea cables becoming targets for sabotage or espionage. Events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and actions by China towards Taiwan have heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global internet connectivity.

Key Principles for Securing Undersea Cables

The joint statement calls for a shared global approach to ensure the security, reliability, sustainability, and resiliency of undersea cable infrastructure. Key principles include:

• Designing infrastructure with secure-by-design principles
• Promoting data risk mitigation frameworks
• Advancing cooperation to select secure cable providers
• Supporting responsible deployment, maintenance, and repair
• Sharing best practices for permitting and regulation
• Conducting regular security risk assessments

By adopting these principles and taking collective action, we can strengthen the security of undersea cable infrastructure and ensure the continued reliability of global communications networks.

Learn more: Submarine Cables at Growing Risk of Cyber-Attacks