Rep. Ryan Mackenzie Questions Security Experts on Protecting Subsea Cables

Role of Private Industry in Subsea Cable Security

• 💡 The private cable industry acts as the first line of defense for national security concerning these networks.
• 📌 They are responsible for detecting faults, notifying the FCC, and subsequently repairing the cables.
• 🛠️ The industry has developed multiple strategies over 150 years, including hardening assets, deterrence, cooperation with other seabed users, and detection technologies.

Redundancy and Resiliency of Cable Networks

• 🚀 The resilience of America's internet infrastructure is attributed to multiple companies, multiple cables, and multiple landing points, preventing a single point of failure.
• 🔑 Trusted vendors are used for the most sensitive equipment on the cables.
• ⚠️ Concerns exist regarding cable concentration in specific landing areas, such as the US East Coast, and the potential issues on the West Coast due to marine sanctuaries creating no-go zones.

Government and Private Sector Interplay

• 🤝 The private sector's activity in this space is seen as a competitive advantage that should be fostered, not impeded.
• ⚖️ However, there is a potential role for the federal government to step in, particularly in targeted areas.
• 📝 A recommendation is made to include resiliency planning as part of the FCC licensing process for cable owners.

Addressing Foreign Intervention in Cable Maintenance

• 🚫 Proposals to ban Chinese-affiliated entities from laying, maintaining, or repairing US cables are considered a wise position.
• ⚠️ This is due to the unknown risk of China installing malicious add-ons during repair or maintenance of critical infrastructure.
• 🚢 Rebuilding and bringing back American shipbuilding is highlighted as critical for national security across various sectors, including subsea cables.