Protecting the Core

Abstract

The Internet is a global network consisting of autonomous and interconnected computer networks. At its core are backbone protocols and infrastructures. Over the years, the Internet has become target of inappropriate behaviors by both state and non-state actors. It has been increasingly subjected to significant threats and disruption. This briefing presents a summary of the most significant risks to the stability and security of the Internet, and the existing mechanisms to mitigate them. The methodology combines the use of extensive literature survey and perception of relevant communities that manage the core infrastructure of the Internet. It suggests that the loss or degradation of the core systems that provide basic Internet services is bound to have severe consequences on the functionality of the Internet. Consequently, it becomes pertinent that the core Internet infrastructures should be safeguarded against threats and interventions that exploit, undermine or target them.