China Warns of Increased Vulnerability of Global Internet Data from Underwater Drones
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- Source
- InterestingEngineering.com
Chinese military researchers have issued a warning regarding the heightened vulnerability of the global network of undersea internet cables to attacks from inexpensive underwater drones. In an article published in Science and Technology Daily, they emphasized that advancements in uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) are facilitating undersea warfare and transforming the seabed into a strategic military zone.
This warning is significant as nations are increasing their investments in underwater surveillance and infrastructure protection amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The researchers, Shi Guanglei and Shi Haiming from China’s National Defense University, noted that the affordability and effectiveness of autonomous underwater systems are enabling more countries to engage in undersea military operations, which were previously dominated by costly crewed submarines.
Looking ahead, the researchers highlighted that undersea cables, which carry approximately 99 percent of global data and support around $10 trillion in daily cross-border financial transactions, are at risk. They pointed to recent incidents, including the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, as evidence of vulnerabilities, although the International Cable Protection Committee maintains that accidental damage is the primary cause of cable failures. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
99% of global internet data at risk from cheap underwater drones, China warns
InterestingEngineering.com · Sujita SinhaThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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