The risk of attacks on undersea cables backed by Russia and China is increasing, particularly evident in recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan. Submarine cables facilitate 99% of global intercontinental data traffic. Nine specific incidents occurring since late 2024 have been linked to possible state-sponsored activities, particularly from Russia and China. While most disruptions are still expected to be caused by accidents, these trends suggest a broader pattern of malicious activity aimed at these crucial infrastructures as geopolitical tensions rise.
"Submarine cables account for 99% of the world's intercontinental data traffic and have been affected by incidents with suspected state support over the past 18 months."
"The report said that while genuine accidents remained likely to cause most undersea cable disruption, the Baltic and Taiwanese incidents pointed to increased malicious activity from Russia and China."
"Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise, the company said."
"While it is difficult to definitively attribute recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan to state-sponsored sabotage, such operations align with both Russia and China's strategic objectives, recently observed activities, and current deep-sea capabilities."
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