Hybrid Space/Submarine Architecture Ensuring Infosec of Telecommunications (HEIST)

HEIST is an interdisciplinary research project with the aim to future-proof global telecommunications via submarine cables.

The project will result in augmented threat detection, fault diagnosis and communication resilience for submarine communication cables (SCCs). The project is also developing new satellite technologies for advanced high-speed optical communication links and networks outside the Earth's atmosphere, improving connectivity in the most remote areas.

Led by Cornell University

The project is led by Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In addition to researchers from Cornell University, researchers from Johns Hopkins University, ETH Zurich, Bifröst and the Swedish Defence University are participating together with telecom companies and government representatives from several NATO countries. A test bed for the project will be developed at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH).

In addition to technology research, research in law and political science is included. The project also collaborates with several other actors, such as the Swedish Navy, the Icelandic Parliament and Viasat.

NATO's Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS) is funding the project with just over SEK 4 million. The project's total budget is approximately SEK 25 million.

The project will run for two and a half years and has made a start-up with all parties involved in the summer of 2024.

Background in concerns about communication disruptions in crisis

The HEIST initiative comes amid growing concerns that submarine cables could be cut or otherwise tampered with in an attempt to disrupt communications in the event of war or crisis. Efforts to protect the submarine cables have intensified over the past six months, and last year NATO established a centre to coordinate best practices to protect underwater infrastructure following the explosions that destroyed the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.