August 28, 2024 Russia is signaling its ability to disrupt Western electronic infrastructure by targeting undersea internet cables and interfering with GPS systems, according to recent reports. Dmitry Medvedev, a Russian official, suggested that Russia could consider undersea communication cables as legitimate targets following the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. This potential threat has raised concerns about the vulnerability of global communications and navigation systems, prompting NATO to increase security measures and emphasize the need for more robust backup plans to protect these critical infrastructures.
In addition to undersea cables, Russia has been accused of interfering with GPS signals, causing disruptions to commercial airline routes in Eastern and Northern Europe. Experts view these actions as part of Russia’s “gray zone” strategy, employing covert tactics to disrupt Western countries without engaging in open conflict. The increased reliance on electronic infrastructure for everyday activities, from financial transactions to navigation, highlights the significant risks posed by potential attacks on these systems.
Given these threats, experts are urging governments to develop more comprehensive fallback strategies to ensure the resilience of communication and navigation networks. While NATO has started implementing measures to safeguard undersea cables, more needs to be done to enhance the security of GPS systems and other critical infrastructures. This includes increasing international cooperation to coordinate responses to potential attacks and improving the robustness of existing safeguards against interference and sabotage.
