Editorial illustration for Full‑stack resilience: protecting democracies from digital threats to subsea cables
Subsea Cables: Protecting Global Digital Infrastructure
Full‑stack resilience: protecting democracies from digital threats to subsea cables
Democracies rely on a hidden web of under‑sea fibers to keep elections, markets and everyday communications running. When those lines are compromised, the fallout isn’t just a slower video call—it can erode public trust and destabilize institutions. Yet most security plans focus on one layer at a time, treating the cable, the cloud or the handset as separate problems.
Here’s the thing: attacks are getting smarter, and they can jump from a physical splice to a cloud‑based exploit in minutes. While the tech behind each component is impressive, the real challenge is stitching them together into a single defensive posture. That’s why the research team behind this report argues for a broader, more integrated method.
It’s not enough to harden a single node; the whole chain—from the ocean floor to the data center to the user’s phone—needs coordinated protection.
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A full‑stack approach to resilience Addressing modern threats requires a unified approach that protects every part of our digital world -- from the physical infrastructure, like subsea cables, to the data stored in the cloud, and on the devices people use every day. Our strategy for digital resilien
A full-stack approach to resilience Addressing modern threats requires a unified approach that protects every part of our digital world -- from the physical infrastructure, like subsea cables, to the data stored in the cloud, and on the devices people use every day. Our strategy for digital resilience focuses on five critical layers: - Infrastructure: Google's subsea and terrestrial network spans 2 million miles, with 43 cloud regions and more than 200 points of presence, providing massive performance and security. Google's Sovereign Cloud solutions deliver global scale and local control for public and private sector organizations of all sizes. - Architecture: Google's flexible data architecture helps defense and national security organizations break out of rigid data siloes.
Can a full‑stack strategy truly safeguard democracies? At the Munich Security Conference officials highlighted the link between national and digital security, noting that a nation’s strength hinges on secure access to technology even when malicious actors strike from half a world away. The announcement of a new white paper underscores a push toward unified protection—from subsea cables to cloud‑based data and everyday devices.
The approach promises a “full‑stack” resilience model, but details on implementation remain sparse. While innovative technologies are on the table, it is unclear whether they can address the breadth of modern threats without unintended gaps. Government leaders are being briefed, yet the timeline for any concrete measures is not specified.
In short, the effort signals a recognition that physical infrastructure and digital assets must be defended together, though the practical impact of the proposed strategy is still uncertain. Observers will be watching how these discussions translate into actionable safeguards for democratic societies.
Further Reading
- Submarine Cable Security at Risk Amid Geopolitical Tensions - Recorded Future
- Threats Below the Surface: Why Subsea Cable Resilience Matters - Subsea Cables
- EU allocates €347 million to boost Europe's submarine cables under CEF Digital, update releases cable security toolbox - Industrial Cyber
- Submarine Cable Security Toolbox and Cable Projects of European Interest - European Commission
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Common Questions Answered
How many submarine cables exist globally as of 2025?
[internetsociety.org](https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/policybriefs/2025/enhancing-the-resilience-of-submarine-internet-infrastructure/) reports that there are 570 commercial undersea fiber-optic cables as of 2025, with an additional 81 planned. These cables carry 97-98% of the world's intercontinental Internet traffic, forming the critical backbone of global communications infrastructure.
What are the primary causes of submarine cable disruptions?
According to the [internetsociety.org](https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/policybriefs/2025/enhancing-the-resilience-of-submarine-internet-infrastructure/) policy brief, most cable disruptions—around 200 per year—are caused by natural causes or human error, rather than intentional geopolitical threats. The vulnerability of submarine infrastructure stems from its remoteness, exposure to natural elements, and dependence on a limited number of landing points.
How are countries collaborating to improve submarine cable security?
The [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-york-joint-statement-on-the-security-and-resilience-of-undersea-cables/new-york-joint-statement-on-the-security-and-resilience-of-undersea-cables-in-a-globally-digitalized-world) publication highlights the New York Joint Statement on undersea cable security, signed by multiple countries in 2024. This international effort aims to address the increasing vulnerabilities in communication networks by promoting collaboration and developing policies to protect critical submarine cable infrastructure.