The vast networks of data cables that crisscross our world's oceans are crucial for almost every aspect of modern life. Related Video Ukraine's sea drones vs. Russia's Black Sea FleetDespite their importance, events this week have highlighted just how vulnerable the West's internet subsea cables are to attacks from hostile powers. Unlike Russia, whose internet cables mostly run overland, the cables Western countries rely on are deep under the sea — and it's an asymmetrical vulnerability Russia is signaling it could exploit. AdvertisementIn response to the threat, Western countries are trying to better protect existing cable networks or route data through satellites if they are disrupted. In the CSIS report in August, Murphy and other analysts called for the US to strengthen international coordination and enhance resources to protect existing undersea cable networks.

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Persons: Boris Pistorius, Gregory Falco, KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, Falco, Erin Murphy, Sidharth, Murphy, Sybille Reuter, Henri Kronlund Organizations: German, Financial Times, Sibley School of Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Getty, AIS, Emerging, CSIS, General Staff, Directorate, Cinia, West Locations: Baltic, Russia, China, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Ukraine, Russian, Vladivostok, Western Europe, India, Emerging Asia, Washington ,, London, Iceland