Submarine communication lines susceptible to assault, potentially leading to communication breakdowns
Headline: National Security Strategy Committee Urges Stronger Protections for UK's Undersea Cables
The National Security Strategy Committee has raised concerns about the security of undersea cables in the UK, which are critical for internet connectivity and data transmission to the rest of the world. In a recent report, the committee has called for the Government to take stronger measures to protect these cables from potential attacks.
Chairman of the committee, Damian Collins, has emphasised the need for competent and farsighted preparation to protect undersea cables from potential threats in a security crisis. The committee has pointed out the inadequacy of security preparations for these cables and has recommended "more muscular deterrence" measures.
These measures include major fines and criminal liability for malicious cable damage, increased direct physical interdiction and prosecution of suspicious vessels and crew, and the acquisition of a cable repair ship by 2030. The committee has warned that the UK's national resilience may be tested in the coming years and the need to be ready is essential.
Concerns have been growing about the threat from foreign adversaries to subsea infrastructure. There is evidence of Moscow preparing for sabotage, as a Russian spy vessel was caught loitering over UK offshore cables in January. MPs and peers have expressed concerns about the potential for catastrophic disruption to the UK's financial and communication systems if these cables are attacked.
The committee has stated that the Government must raise its gaze and focus on stronger physical protections, better options to impose genuine costs for malicious activity, and more comprehensive recovery plans. The Government is criticised for being too timid in defending these undersea cables.
Currently, the UK has no cable repair ship of its own and relies on international consortiums for repairs, which can be slow and potentially unreliable in a crisis. In a conflict, coordinated attacks on these undersea cables could cause internet blackouts, cripple payment systems and supply chains, and overstretch emergency services.
The committee has called for the Government to support the industry in rolling out new monitoring and alert systems to improve early warning and vessel interception. The parliamentarians have stated that focusing on routine damage and low-level sabotage is no longer sufficient amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Vladimir Putin could potentially target these cables if he escalates tests of NATO's resilience. The Government has been contacted for comment regarding the committee's recommendations. Matt Western, another committee chairman, has emphasised the importance of protecting undersea cables to ensure the UK's economic and national security.
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