NATO's Science for Peace and Security programme, aims to enhance global internet resilience by blending the power of satellites with subsea cables.
In a bold move to fortify the world's digital infrastructure, NATO has unveiled an innovative £2 million project designed to secure internet connectivity against potential disruptions. Known as HEIST (Hybrid Space/Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications), this ambitious venture received approval on July 31, 2024, with partial funding from NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme.
HEIST aims to create a space-based safety net that ensures the continuous flow of information even if critical subsea internet cables suffer damage or targeted attacks. Dr. Eyup Turmus, SPS Advisor and Programme Manager at NATO, highlighted the project's significance: “Through this SPS-supported initiative, NATO is uniting Allies and leading institutions, including Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Swedish Defence Universities, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, alongside major telecommunications companies. Together, we are addressing the urgent need for a more resilient global internet infrastructure.”
The vulnerability of subsea cables, which handle about 99% of international data traffic, has been increasingly exposed. With risks ranging from accidental severance by ship anchors to the threat of state-sponsored sabotage, the potential for widespread internet outages is a pressing concern. The HEIST project seeks to counter these threats by integrating the dependability of subsea cables with the adaptability and expansive reach of satellite communication.
The HEIST consortium, a diverse coalition of universities and private firms from the US, Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland, will work on developing a functional prototype over the next two years. A live demonstration of this cutting-edge technology is scheduled to take place at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, which serves as a NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Maritime Research Centre.
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