In a significant blow to internet infrastructure, several major fiber optic cables in France were deliberately severed in a coordinated act of sabotage, leading to widespread connectivity issues. This incident marks the second major attack on French fiber networks this year, with the latest disruptions occurring on July 26, 2024.
The severed cables, located near Marseille, impacted crucial subsea connections between Marseille-Lyon, Marseille-Milan, and Marseille-Barcelona. These cuts resulted in global internet slowdowns, affecting connectivity to Europe, Asia, and the United States. Users reported significant packet loss and increased latency, particularly for websites and applications hosted overseas.
Fiber optic networks have been sabotaged in multiple regions across France, causing widespread internet and communication disruptions (Le Monde).
That's just 3 days after the sabotage of the French high-speed railways. pic.twitter.com/ibcqtZBRHJ
— Daractenus (@Daractenus) July 29, 2024
The French internal intelligence service, DGSI, along with the judicial police, have launched an investigation into the sabotage. According to Zscaler, a cloud security vendor, repair crews were dispatched quickly, but their operations were initially hampered by the need to collect evidence. Despite swift efforts, the repair process was complex, with full restoration of services taking several hours.
The attacks have raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Photos posted by the French internet service provider, Free, showed multiple cables completely severed within their concrete housings. This incident followed a similar pattern of recent fiber cable sabotage in the UK, where an underwater cable between the Shetland Islands and Scotland was damaged, isolating the island's residents and impacting emergency services.
Second Sabotage: French Internet Fiber Cables Severed
👉 Widespread disruptions across France
⚠️ Second targeted attack on fiber optics this year
‼️ Authorities urge vigilance on critical infrastructure #CyberSecurity #TechNews @zerohedge https://t.co/4xHwdrATCR pic.twitter.com/D2zmNgqSSf— ZeroHedge Notes (@ZeroHedgeNotes) July 29, 2024
While there is no conclusive evidence linking these attacks to any specific entity, some experts have speculated about the possibility of foreign state involvement, particularly pointing fingers at Russia.
This theory stems from the geopolitical tensions and previous instances of infrastructure sabotage attributed to Russian operatives. However, these claims remain speculative without concrete proof.
The French government and telecommunications companies are now reviewing security measures to protect against future incidents. The widespread disruptions have highlighted the critical importance of securing fiber optic networks, which form the backbone of global internet connectivity. Analysts warn that similar attacks could have even more severe consequences if not adequately addressed.
This sabotage underscores the fragility of modern communication infrastructure and the far-reaching impact of such targeted attacks. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for enhanced international cooperation to safeguard against threats to critical infrastructure and ensure the resilience of global internet services.
