Australia's Subsea Cables Face Increased Vulnerability to Attacks

At the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles warned of Australia's significant vulnerability to attacks on subsea cables, which carry 99% of the nation's internet traffic. Since November 2024, multiple cables have been severed in the Baltic and Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about critical infrastructure security. Marles noted that Australia is among the most exposed nations due to its reliance on just 15 subsea cables, which are crucial for financial, health, and communication systems. Pacific island nations are even more at risk, often relying on a single cable. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has identified this dependence as an 'Achilles' heel,' particularly as the demand for high-speed internet grows. The potential for disruptions poses a serious threat to Australia's operational capabilities as a modern economy.

Key Points: • Australia relies on 15 subsea cables for 99% of its internet traffic, making it highly vulnerable. • Recent severing of cables in the Baltic and Taiwan Strait since late 2024 raises security concerns. • Pacific island nations are at even greater risk, often dependent on a single cable for connectivity.