Undersea Cables

What Are Undersea Cables?

Undersea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit data between continents. They form the backbone of global internet and telecommunications, enabling high-speed connections for businesses, governments, and individuals. These cables carry over 99% of international data traffic, supporting everything from streaming and online banking to cloud computing. Built to withstand harsh underwater conditions, they are crucial for global connectivity and economic activity.

Why Are Undersea Cables Important?

These fiber-optic cables, laid on the ocean floor, enable high-speed internet, international phone calls, financial transactions, and cloud services that power the modern economy. Without them, global trade, banking, and even national security operations would be significantly disrupted. 

Governments, businesses, and individuals rely on these networks for everything from real-time stock market trading to video conferencing and social media. Unlike satellites, which have higher latency and lower capacity, undersea cables provide faster and more reliable connectivity, making them essential for seamless global communication. They also play a vital role in critical infrastructure, supporting industries like offshore energy, scientific research, and military defense. 

As digital demand grows, new cables with advanced security and higher data capacities are being deployed, ensuring the resilience and expansion of global networks. However, their strategic importance also makes them vulnerable to cyber threats, espionage, and physical damage from natural disasters or geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the need for international cooperation in securing and maintaining these crucial assets.

What Happens if Undersea Cables Are Sabotaged?

If undersea cables are sabotaged, the consequences can be severe across multiple sectors. Here’s what could happen:

1. Global Communications Disruptions

• Internet & telecommunications: these cables carry global data traffic, so disruptions could lead to massive internet outages, affecting businesses, government operations, and individuals.
• Financial systems: international financial transactions, including those handled by SWIFT, rely on these cables, potentially causing market instability.
• Cloud services & streaming: many cloud services depend on these networks, leading to disruptions in business operations and entertainment.

2. Economic & Trade Impact

• Shipping & logistics: port operations, supply chain visibility, and vessel tracking systems could be compromised, delaying global trade.
• Stock markets & banking: delays in transaction processing can disrupt international markets and currency exchanges.
• Remote work & IT services: affected businesses may lose access to critical remote infrastructure, impacting global workforces.

3. Military & National Security Risks

• Intelligence & defense coordination: many countries rely on undersea cables for military communications and intelligence sharing. A disruption could hinder strategic operations.
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities: if cables are tampered with, data interception or cyber espionage could occur.
• Navigation & satellite data transmission: some GPS-related military applications rely on undersea cable-backed infrastructure.

4. Political & Geopolitical Tensions

• Accusations & retaliations: if sabotage is suspected, it could escalate conflicts between nations.
• Economic warfare: a hostile state or group could use cable sabotage as a form of hybrid warfare, disrupting adversaries without direct military engagement.

What Are the Key Elements of Undersea Critical Infrastructure?

Undersea cables, also known as submarine cables, are just a part of the undersea critical infrastructure. The following table shows additional elements of this area. 

These elements are crucial for global communication, energy supply, security, and scientific research, making their protection a priority for national and international organizations.

How Does Windward Help Safeguard Undersea Cables?

Windward helps safeguard undersea cables through its AI-powered Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution. It provides real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and proactive risk assessments to detect suspicious vessel activities near critical infrastructure. 

Windward’s solution enables early detection of potential sabotage, using predictive intelligence and historical data to identify risky vessels and behaviors. Alerts are generated for vessels engaging in suspicious actions, while post-incident investigations help track movements and identify threats, ensuring timely protective measures are taken. This comprehensive approach helps prevent damage to vital maritime assets.