Ministers urged to do more to protect internet from Russian hackers, terrorists and fish bites

MINISTERS must step up the security of Britain's internet infrastructure to protect it against Russian hackers, terrorists - and FISH BITES, a report warns today.

A Policy Exchange study led by Tory MP Rishi Sunak warns that 97 per cent of the world's communications and £7.5trillion in daily transactions are fed through insecure undersea cables.

It has published evidence that reveals they have been targeted by Russian submarines, criminals and even damaged by trawlers and even fish.

When Russia annexed Crimea, one of its first moves was to sever the main cable connection to the outside world.

Britain's undersea cables come ashore in just a few, isolated coastal locations and have minimal protection - making them easy targets.

Security services foiled an Al-Qaeeda plot to destroy a key London internet exchange in 2007.

The Policy Exchange report urges the government to work with private firms to install more backup "dark cables", improve monitoring at sea and establish Cablee Protection Zones around our highest value communication routes.

Mr Sunak said: “A successful attack on the UK’s undersea cable infrastructure would be an existential threat to our security.

"Yet the exact locations of these cables are both isolated and publicly available – jugulars of the world economy which are a singularly attractive target for our enemies.

“Since the first trans-Atlantic cable was laid in 1858, undersea cables have generally been owned and installed by private companies.

"Although this is good for taxpayers, it also means that most governments have not given undersea cables enough attention.

“As we debate our future defence priorities, protecting the freedom of the seas and all the lanes of communication on and under them is paramount.

"Britain and our NATO allies must ensure that our maritime capabilities get the investment they need.”