As the world becomes more reliant on the internet for everything from communication to commerce, the security of the infrastructure that supports this global network has never been more critical. A recent initiative led by NATO aims to safeguard internet connections in the event of widespread disruptions, particularly those affecting the vulnerable undersea cables that carry the majority of global data.
Undersea fiber-optic cables, roughly the size of a sausage, serve as the foundation of the global internet, transmitting more than 95% of the world’s data. These cables use light to transmit large volumes of information over long distances with minimal loss, linking every continent except Antarctica. However, these cables are increasingly vulnerable to both accidental damage and deliberate attacks. Each year, between 100 to 150 cables are severed due to mishaps such as fishing equipment entanglements or anchors dragging across the seafloor. Beyond accidents, there are growing concerns over potential sabotage. A prominent example occurred in November 2024, when two submarine cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, raising suspicions of hybrid attacks, possibly orchestrated by Russia in response to geopolitical tensions over Ukraine.
To mitigate these risks and maintain reliable internet services, NATO has invested in the creation of a new hybrid internet system called the Hybrid Space/Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications (HEIST) consortium. This innovative system seeks to combine submarine cables with satellite communications to create a more resilient and less vulnerable network. The aim is to provide an alternative route for data if traditional undersea cables are compromised or destroyed.
A key motivator for this project is the increasing risk to nations that depend heavily on these undersea cables. For example, Iceland, with its growing financial services and cloud computing industries, is connected to Europe and North America by only four cables. If these cables were severed, Iceland could find itself completely isolated from the rest of the world. The HEIST system will ensure that such scenarios are mitigated by offering a secure backup option.
In comparison, another satellite-based service, SpaceX’s Starlink, already provides significant space-based internet coverage. However, Starlink has raised concerns about its centralization, with Elon Musk holding substantial control over global communications infrastructure. NATO’s HEIST project aims to create a more secure, independent system not reliant on a single individual or private entity.
The HEIST consortium brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts from Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, Bifröst University, Swedish Defence University, ETH Zürich, the Royal Swedish Navy, the Icelandic government, and various private companies. The project aims to have a functional prototype ready within two years, with testing expected to begin as early as 2025.
While the HEIST project represents a significant leap forward in ensuring the security of global internet infrastructure, it also presents numerous engineering, regulatory, political, and economic challenges. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for robust, resilient communication networks has never been clearer. The success of this project could provide the foundation for a more secure and sustainable internet in the face of future uncertainties.
