In the vast, interconnected web of global communications, submarine cables are the unsung heroes, ferrying over 95 percent of the world’s data traffic beneath the waves. Yet, as tensions simmer in the Indo-Pacific, these vital arteries face a gauntlet of threats, from cyber intrusions to state-backed sabotage. It’s high time South Korea and Australia, two maritime powerhouses, join forces to safeguard these critical connections.
South Korea, with its cutting-edge technical prowess, and Australia, boasting robust maritime capabilities and strategic intelligence ties, are a match made in heaven for this task. Their geographic advantages—Australia’s central location in the global cable network and South Korea’s proximity to key routes—make them natural partners in protecting these undersea lifelines. “South Korea’s advanced position in telecommunications technology and cybersecurity is a strength in digital infrastructure resilience,” says a senior official, highlighting the country’s prowess in AI-based threat detection. Meanwhile, Australia’s intelligence-sharing networks and maritime reach can provide the muscle to back up South Korea’s digital might.
But it’s not just about patrolling the seas. To truly secure submarine cables, both countries need to roll up their sleeves and get to work on several fronts. First, they must integrate their strengths, melding South Korea’s AI-based threat detection with Australia’s intelligence-sharing networks. This fusion will enable them to spot and squash cyber threats faster than you can say “data breach.”
Legal reforms and stricter cybersecurity regulations for telecom operators are also on the agenda. Public-private partnerships in encryption and threat detection will be crucial, as will investment in alternative cable routes and land-based backups. After all, when it comes to submarine cables, redundancy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
The stakes are high. Submarine cables are a strategic asset that could be targeted in times of crisis. China’s maritime expansion and technological capabilities have raised concerns over potential data interception and infrastructure disruption. The current lack of a comprehensive global governance framework to secure submarine cables only adds to the worry. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides some legal protection, but it’s like trying to stop a speedboat with a rowboat—it’s just not up to the task of addressing emerging threats like cyberattacks and hybrid warfare tactics.
So, what’s the game plan? For starters, South Korea and Australia could establish a bilateral cybersecurity pact, complete with provisions for the physical elements of cyber infrastructure, like subsea cables. They could also set up joint surveillance efforts through AI-based monitoring systems and satellite tracking, beefing up real-time detection of disruptions. And let’s not forget about the navies—expanding maritime patrols along key submarine cable routes could deter adversarial interference.
But here’s where it gets interesting. To truly build resilience, both countries must diversify their infrastructure. That means supporting alternative cable routes, investing in land-based backup systems, and prioritising secure satellite communication. Governments should also provide financial incentives to private sector companies investing in resilient cable infrastructure and establish joint research initiatives to develop advanced protective measures.
Legal and policy advancements should accompany these efforts. South Korea and Australia must push for amendments to UNCLOS that address modern cyber threats and advocate for international agreements that criminalise malicious activities targeting undersea infrastructure. A bilateral treaty focused on the protection of submarine cables in the region could set a powerful example.
At the national level, stricter regulations on private telecommunications operators, including mandatory cybersecurity protocols and compliance standards, would further enhance resilience. Governments should also establish mandatory reporting mechanisms for cable operators to immediately share information on potential threats. Public-private partnerships will be essential in this effort, with governments, technology firms, and telecommunications providers collaborating on encrypted data transmission protocols and regular cybersecurity simulations.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. This is a chance for South Korea and Australia to lead the way in digital infrastructure protection. By establishing a joint Indo-Pacific digital security forum, they could institutionalise collaboration and knowledge-sharing on best practices. Increased investment in training programs for cyber resilience experts would also ensure that both countries maintain a highly skilled workforce to respond to future challenges.
In the end, securing submarine cables isn’t just a strategic choice—it’s a necessity for economic stability and regional security. South Korea and Australia have the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to make a real difference. Let’s hope they roll up their sleeves and get to work, because the future of global communications depends on it.
