Gray Seas

Today in the space between war and peace...

• Finland Monitors Russian Baltic Sea Cable Repairs
• Senior Naval Leaders Emphasize Combined Maritime Action Against Threats
• Surge in Chinese Hybrid Warfare Operations in the Philippines, Says Top Security Official
• China’s Gray-Zone Activities Overlooked Amid U.S. Tariff Disputes
• Report: Prolonged Detection Times for Espionage
• UK Military Streamlines Training to Accelerate Recruitment of "Cyber Warriors"

Finland Monitors Russian Baltic Sea Cable Repairs

The Finnish Border Guard is closely observing Russian repair activities on an underwater cable within Finland's economic zone, following recent disruptions to Baltic Sea communications.

Russia has been accused of engaging in hybrid warfare tactics. In response, NATO has initiated "Baltic Sentry" patrols aimed at safeguarding underwater infrastructure in the region.

Senior Naval Leaders Emphasize Combined Maritime Action Against Threats

At the Paris Naval Conference 2025, naval leaders highlighted the critical need for coordinated action to address emerging maritime threats. They pointed to a rise in violence, incidents of cable damage, and the challenges posed by 'ghost fleet' ships as significant concerns affecting global security and trade. The leaders underscored the importance of collaboration with the private sector and fostering international cooperation, despite the complexities of existing legal frameworks. They asserted that tackling these multifaceted threats requires an integrated approach combining military and civilian solutions.

Surge in Chinese Hybrid Warfare Operations in the Philippines, Says Top Security Official

The National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines has issued a stark warning regarding China's hybrid warfare tactics, emphasizing that these strategies extend beyond maritime activities.

China’s Gray-Zone Activities Overlooked Amid U.S. Tariff Disputes

In commentary in The Cipher Brief, Dave Pitts argues China’s ongoing tariff war with the U.S. is drawing attention away from its significant gray-zone activities that threaten U.S. sovereignty and security. The piece notes that Beijing uses trade disputes as a smokescreen for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and widespread intellectual property theft. 

Additionally, according to the article, China continues to engage in disinformation campaigns and build military islands in the South China Sea to reshape the geopolitical landscape. Its partnership with Russia is viewed as an effort to strain U.S. resources, while the Belt and Road Initiative extends its global influence. Despite tariff discussions, the broader threats posed by China's warfare remain critical concerns for U.S. security.

Report: Prolonged Detection Times for Espionage

CyberCX's 2025 Threat Report indicates that organizations are facing prolonged detection times for espionage activities, with business email compromise (BEC) incidents frequently bypassing multi-factor authentication measures. Ransomware attacks have also seen a significant increase.

The healthcare sector remains the most vulnerable, while the financial and education sectors are not far behind in terms of targeted attacks. Notably, financial motivations are behind 65% of cyber incidents, underscoring the monetary incentives driving cybercriminals. Despite ongoing efforts to bolster security measures, the report highlights the evolving nature of threats, emphasizing the critical need for adaptable defenses. 

UK Military Streamlines Training to Accelerate Recruitment of "Cyber Warriors"

The UK is revamping its military recruitment strategy by dropping fitness and weapons training for cyber recruits to address a critical shortage in cyber skills. By the end of the year, up to 50 individuals will be fast-tracked into vacancies within the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with the Army joining in 2026. Recruits will undergo a four-week basic training phase followed by three months of specialized cyber training, focusing on network security and cyber operations.

A new Cyber Headquarters in Samlesbury is set to open amid rising threats from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. The upcoming Strategic Defence Review is expected to boost defense spending. Recruitment targets individuals aged 18 to 39 with sole British citizenship, offering salaries starting at over £40,000. The Ministry of Defence aims to expand recruitment efforts in line with demand, seeking long-term success through adaptive training strategies.