Could You Really Destroy the Internet? Unpacking the Myths of an Internet Apocalypse

The internet has become an indispensable part of modern life. From coordinating power grids to facilitating global banking, our world is deeply intertwined with the web. But what would happen if the internet suddenly disappeared? Could one person truly bring about an internet apocalypse? Let's dive into the realities and debunk some common misconceptions.

Our Digital Dependence

• Globally, billions of users spend an average of 6 hours per day online.
• E-commerce alone is a multi-trillion dollar industry.
• Essential infrastructure, like power grids and transportation, relies on the internet.

The Impact of Localized Internet Shutdowns

While a global internet shutdown seems far-fetched, localized disruptions are more common. Governments sometimes shut down internet access to prevent cheating during exams or during emergencies. For example:

• Algeria shut down internet access for three hours daily to prevent exam cheating.
• Egypt famously shut down internet access for almost a week during the Arab Spring.

These shutdowns have serious consequences, disproportionately harming marginalized groups, crippling local economies, and causing widespread chaos. Such disruptions have cost the global economy billions of dollars.

The Catastrophic Scenario: A World Without the Internet

What if a global internet blackout lasted for weeks or months? The results would be devastating.

Initial Panic and Stockpiling

In the first few days, panic would set in, leading to mass stockpiling of food. Stores would quickly empty as online inventory systems fail, making restocking impossible.

Economic Collapse

The global economy would grind to a halt. Stock markets would close, bank transactions would cease, and credit cards and ATMs would stop working. Cash would become essential.

Societal Breakdown

• Power Outages: Local power outages would escalate into large-scale blackouts.
• Fuel Shortages: Gas pipelines, dependent on the internet, would stop working.
• Rising Crime: The economy would devolve into a barter system, with crime rates increasing.
• Long-Term Consequences: Within a year, society could completely break down, leading to widespread unrest, starvation, and potentially a billion deaths.

The Decentralized Nature of the Internet

The internet is designed to be resilient, even in extreme circumstances. Its decentralized structure means that data can take various routes to reach its destination. Taking down one part of the internet won't necessarily cripple the entire system.

Undersea Cables: The Internet's Backbone

Approximately 99% of internet traffic travels via underwater sea cables. While there are hundreds of these cables stretching hundreds of thousands of miles, they are still vulnerable.

• Cable Cuts: Damage to these cables can cause widespread internet chaos. In 2008, cable cuts in the Mediterranean and Middle East caused significant disruptions.
• Hub Vulnerabilities: Key cable hubs, like the one in Miami, handle vast amounts of internet traffic and are potential weak spots.

Cyberattacks and DNS Vulnerabilities

Even without physical damage, cyberattacks can disrupt the internet. A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack can overwhelm servers with fake information requests, making websites inaccessible.

The DNS System

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates web addresses into IP addresses. Without it, remembering and accessing websites would be nearly impossible. Taking down the DNS could render the internet unusable for most people.

The Attack on Dyn

The 2016 attack on Dyn, a domain name service provider, caused a major outage of key sites like Netflix and Spotify. While significant, the attack was temporary and didn't represent a complete internet Armageddon.

The Role of Botnets

A botnet, a network of infected computers, can be used to launch massive DDoS attacks. A skilled hacker could potentially create a botnet large enough to overwhelm key domain name services.

Centralization of DNS Services

The increasing concentration of DNS services into fewer hands exposes single points of failure. Companies like Verisign, which manage top-level domains like .com and .net, are critical targets. If they go down, many websites and email addresses would become unreachable.

The Verdict: Could One Person Do It?

While a single person could cause significant online havoc, taking down the entire internet is highly unlikely. Cutting cables can cause regional blackouts, and a well-executed DDoS attack could disrupt key services. However, the internet's resilience and decentralized nature make a complete shutdown incredibly challenging.

Countries with vast resources might pose a greater threat of causing widespread and permanent internet destruction, but for individuals, becoming an internet supervillain remains a distant fantasy.

Staying Safe Online

While the internet disappearing might not be an immediate concern, protecting your online identity is crucial. Use robust password managers, VPNs, and dark web monitoring tools to stay safe against website breaches and hacks.