2024-11-18 17:16:00
A defect in a Baltic Sea fiber optic cable disrupted data transfer between Finland and Germany on Monday. It may have been severed by outside influence, said Ari-Jussi Knaapila, the head of the Finnish operating company Cinia, at a press conference on Monday. This is what the sudden failure last night indicates. However, the physical inspection is still pending.
The 1,173 kilometer long “C-Lion1” cable runs between Helsinki and Rostock. It connects the data centers of continental Europe with those in Scandinavia. The network and cybersecurity company Cinia says it is working with the Finnish authorities to investigate the incident. Repairing a submarine cable usually takes between five and 15 days.
Last year, a gas pipeline and several telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged. Finnish investigators suspect that an anchor from a Chinese container freighter dragging on the seabed is responsible. However, it is unclear whether intent was involved. Two years ago, the destruction of several Baltic Sea gas pipelines between Russia and Germany made headlines. It is still unclear who ordered the act of sabotage.
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How can governments and organizations enhance the security of undersea cables to prevent future disruptions?
**Interview with Ari-Jussi Knaapila, CEO of Cinia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ari-Jussi. Can you tell us more about the nature of the disruption caused by the C-Lion1 cable incident?
**Knaapila:** Thank you for having me. The disruption was significant, affecting data transfer capabilities between Finland and Germany. The exact cause is still under investigation, but initial assessments suggest outside influence could be at play.
**Editor:** That’s concerning. Can you elaborate on what you mean by “outside influence”? Are you implying deliberate sabotage?
**Knaapila:** The indications suggest that the cable may have been severed, and we are exploring all possibilities. While we have seen past incidents in the Baltic Sea involving damage to both gas pipelines and telecommunications cables, we cannot conclusively determine intent until the physical inspection is complete.
**Editor:** Given the history of attacks on infrastructure in the region, do you think this raises broader security concerns about undersea cables and their vulnerability?
**Knaapila:** Absolutely, this incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures for critical infrastructure. As global data reliance grows, ensuring the integrity of undersea cables becomes increasingly vital. We are working closely with authorities to address these concerns.
**Editor:** And how do you foresee the potential impact on international data security and communications, should this incident point to a trend of targeted attacks?
**Knaapila:** If this is indeed a targeted act, it could lead to a more profound discussion on data security protocols, international cooperation, and even the need for protective measures for undersea infrastructure.
**Editor:** how do you think the public should respond to news like this? Should discussions around national cybersecurity and preparedness come to the forefront?
**Knaapila:** I believe it’s crucial for the public to engage in this dialogue. Infrastructure security is not just a governmental concern; it involves public awareness and advocacy for more robust protection measures. It also opens a debate on the balance between international commerce and security.
**Editor:** Very insightful, Ari-Jussi. It seems clear that the implications of incidents like this go beyond just a cable repair. We hope to hear more as the investigation unfolds. Thank you for your time!
**Knaapila:** Thank you for having me.
