Underwater Cables' Vulnerability Poses Global Security Risk Amid Middle East Conflict
The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted vulnerabilities in global infrastructure, particularly the undersea fiber-optic cables that carry over 95% of global data and voice call traffic. These cables, which are crucial for daily commerce and communication, are largely unmonitored and inadequately protected, making them susceptible to damage or sabotage. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where cables were severed, have underscored this risk. The U.S. and European intelligence agencies have noted that poorly maintained vessels may have caused these damages, but the potential for adversaries to exploit these vulnerabilities remains a significant concern. The situation is exacerbated by the development of technology capable of cutting cables at great depths, as well as the increasing reliance on these cables for artificial intelligence and clean energy projects. 
