Joining forces in NATO-sponsored project to solve submarine cable problem

The world has seen several sabotage incidents targeting the fibre-optic network found on the seabed – networks that form the backbone of our digital world and carry more than 95% of intercontinental internet communications. The NATO-sponsored HEIST project aims to secure the critical flow of information in the event of a disruption. Researchers, businesses and key organisations are meeting this week at BTH to get closer to a solution.

The HEIST (Hybrid Space-Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications) project has been launched to protect the global fibre optic network. It aims to quickly locate cable breaks and reroute critical traffic via satellites in case of damage. The project is supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security programme.

“The project is of crucial importance for the protection of critical societal infrastructure. The collaboration emphasises the need for a more robust internet infrastructure that can withstand future disruptions,” says BTH Vice-Chancellor Henric Johnson.

Several of the participants in this important project are now gathering in Karlskrona. At the end of the week, they – researchers, companies and  important organisations – will meet at BTH in Karlskrona.

“During two intensive days, we will explore how we can secure future internet traffic. Satellites can be part of the solution, but we need to find ways to overcome their limitations in data flow,”says Greg Falco, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell University and strategic leader of the project.

The global company Laser Light will be present:

“Laser Light is pleased to participate in the upcoming NATO-sponsored HEIST Conference. As a recognized leader in multi-domain global data services – space, terrestrial, subsea – Laser Light is eager to add our 12 years of experience  to NATO’ desire to counter the significant ongoing threats to the security of the global telecommunications infrastructure ,” said Stephen Benson of Laser Light, Federal.

One of the actors closely following the project is the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB):

“MSB sees great potential in the project as an important contribution to European and transatlantic security. MSB looks forward to supporting the project in the coming years,” says Sara Myrdal, International Director and Head of the Department of International Relations, Research and Innovation at MSB.

The conference at BTH will bring together some 80 experts and researchers. They come from the Swedish Armed Forces, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, PTS, the Swedish Coast Guard and Defense Material Works, as well as from the companies Saab, Ericsson, NKT, Telenor, Viasat and Amazon. From academia, we see Cornell University, John Hopkins University, ETH Zurich, Bifrost University, the Swedish Defence University and BTH. The project is led by Cornell University in the USA and supported by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Program.