Internet Apocalypse: What Would Happen to the Internet in a Solar Storm?

Could massive solar flares bring down our infrastructure? The idea isn't new. In fact, one of the most cited events happened 162 years ago, and there's no reason to think it won't happen again. But now we have to add another element to the equation: Internet. As part of the SIGCOMM 2021 conference, Professor Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi from the University of California published a study examining a potential "Internet Apocalypse" – the possible damage a solar storm could cause to the network of networks as we know it today. There's good news, and there's bad news…

The famous Carrington Event reached its peak intensity on September 1, but 162 years later, some experts are asking an uncomfortable question: What would happen if something like that hit us today? Our electrical infrastructure is much more complex and vulnerable. We have an impressive number of satellites in orbit, and essential services depend on them. Could we be facing a kind of "internet apocalypse"? And if so, are we ready?

"Internet Apocalypse": Lack of Information and Submarine Cables

All of this stems from research published by Professor Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi from the University of California, as part of the SIGCOMM 2021 conference, which was held virtually. The study, titled "Solar Superstorms: Planning for an Internet Apocalypse", found its starting point after the professor noticed the global lack of preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that "there was no protocol to deal with it effectively," and that "the same happens with the resilience of the Internet." She also adds that "our infrastructure is not prepared for a large-scale solar event, and we have a very limited understanding of the extent of the damage."

The lack of solid data is very important, but many arrows point to the integrity of submarine cables. The cables themselves wouldn't be so vulnerable due to the widespread use of fiber optics, but we must not forget that they require repeaters installed every 50-150 kilometers, depending on their characteristics. The electronics inside those repeaters and the lack of grounding would change conditions completely. Repeated failures in the repeaters could put a cable out of commission, and disconnect entire countries.

The risk for local infrastructure would be lower as long as we consider widespread use of fiber optics and more frequent grounding, but there is another factor at play for submarine cables, and it's their exact location. Coronal mass ejections have a great impact at high latitudes, closer to the magnetic poles. For cables crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific, the risk would be higher.

It's Not the Only Threat

Why isn't this being advanced? The keyword is "priorities." Extreme weather events and cyberattacks pose a much more direct threat to the global Internet infrastructure. But it's possible that one day the Sun catches us with our pants down, and if we suffer a prolonged Internet outage, well...

Access the study (PDF): Click here. Source: Ars Technica