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Russia is considering attacking undersea cables essential to the global internet following geopolitical tensions. Such a move could destabilize services and the global economy, creating a new type of digital warfare.
Imagine waking up one day and not being able to access your social networks, check your emails or even carry out banking transactions. It seems impossible in the 21st century, but this is a threat that is becoming increasingly real.
Behind the scenes of global geopolitics, a new front of silent war may be about to open, and the main target is the submarine cables that connect the world to the internet.
Russia targets undersea cable infrastructure
In late August 2024, a report revealed a worrying vulnerability: the submarine cables, responsible for 95% of communications global via internet, are potential targets for attacks.
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The threat does not come from anywhere, but from Russia, one of the biggest global players, which could destabilize the world economy with a simple attack on this critical infrastructure.
The discussion gained momentum after former President and current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev made an alarming statement in June.
According to Medvedev, these cables have become a legitimate target for Russia, turning the infrastructure that keeps the world online into an invisible battlefield.
This comes after suspicions of Western involvement in the explosion of Nord Stream 2, a vital gas pipeline connecting Russia to Germany.
NATO's response and global impact
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) It didn't take long to interpret Medvedev's speech as a serious threat.
Suspicious movements of Russian vessels near these cables have been observed and raised concerns about possible sabotage.
According to the report, a Russian attack on this critical infrastructure could take down entire communications systems, affecting everything from the global economy to people's daily lives.
Without submarine cables, not only online services would be interrupted, but also the entire information chain that feeds international trade.
Western dependence on this infrastructure makes the threat even more significant, as a collapse in global connectivity would cause huge economic losses.
What does Russia have to gain?
Analysts point out that despite the inflammatory statements, the Russian threat should not be underestimated. Russia, as a continental power, has a strategic advantage over other countries, such as the United States and China, which depend much more on submarine cable infrastructure for their connectivity.
According to the report, Russia, due to its land connection with Europe and Central Asia, is less vulnerable to interruptions in this type of network, which could encourage it to exploit these weaknesses in other countries.
Additionally, we bring Russia's recent actions already indicate a worrying pattern. The country has been accused of interfering with GPS navigation systems, affecting airlines and commercial routes.
These actions are part of what experts call “gray zone warfare,” a strategy of covert attacks that do not reach the level of open war but can destabilize the economic and national security of target countries.
Medvedev and the rhetoric of invisible war
Medvedev, one of President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, is known for his fiery statements, but experts believe this threat it is not mere rhetoric.
He recently stated that based on the alleged complicity of Western countries in the Nord Stream 2 incident, there are no longer any restrictions, not even moral ones, on destroying the submarine communications of opposing nations.
This statement calls into question the stability of the global internet, something few imagine until it is too late. The silent war may be closer than it seems, and control of internet infrastructure is a powerful weapon in Russia's hands.
The reality of a digital war
An attack on submarine cables would not be visible as a bombing or a traditional military invasion, but its effects would be devastating.
With the global economy increasingly dependent on the constant flow of information, a massive disruption could wreak havoc on financial markets, cut off business communications and even impact the daily lives of billions of people around the world.
According to the released report, Russia appears increasingly willing to exploit this vulnerability, in an attempt to retaliate against what it considers to be hostile actions by the West.
The question now is: What would be the consequences for the rest of the world if Moscow actually decided to cut the submarine cables?
What is the future of the global internet?
With global tensions rising, it's hard to predict what might happen next. However, the discussion about the security of submarine cable infrastructure is more relevant than ever.
The West needs to bolster its defenses and ensure that this vital line of communication is not suddenly cut off.
It remains to be seen whether we are ready to face it this new frontier of invisible conflicts, where the internet something many of us take for granted can become the most vulnerable target of all.
Do you think the world is prepared for a digital war that could cut off your internet at any moment?
