In an effort to enhance the internet’s resilience against disruption, a NATO-backed initiative called HEIST is taking a groundbreaking approach by venturing into space. The ambitious project, with a budget of £2 million, aims to create a space-based safety net to ensure the continuous flow of information even in the face of targeted attacks or accidental damage to vital subsea internet cables.
The HEIST project, which received approval on 31 July 2024, is partially funded by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme. Dr. Eyup Turmus, SPS Advisor and Programme Manager at NATO, highlighted the importance of this initiative in bringing together Allies, prestigious institutions such as Cornell, John Hopkins, and Swedish Defence Universities, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and telecommunications companies to address the critical need for a more resilient global internet infrastructure.
The vulnerability of subsea cables, responsible for carrying the majority of international data traffic, has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Whether due to accidental damage caused by ships‘ anchors or concerns about state-sponsored sabotage, the potential for widespread internet outages is a significant concern. The HEIST project aims to address this risk by establishing a hybrid network that combines the reliability of subsea cables with the flexibility and reach of satellite communication.
The multinational consortium behind HEIST, comprising universities and private companies from the US, Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland, is focused on developing a working prototype within the next two years. A live demonstration of the technology is planned at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, a NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Maritime Research Centre.
In addition to technical challenges, the project will also tackle legal and jurisdictional complexities associated with operating a hybrid space/submarine network. International collaboration will be crucial in navigating these uncharted waters and ensuring the long-term success of this ambitious endeavor.
As the HEIST project progresses, it represents a significant step towards making the internet more resilient and less vulnerable to disruption. By rerouting information flow into space in the event of undersea cable attacks or damage, this innovative initiative has the potential to safeguard global connectivity and ensure the continuous operation of critical communication networks.