"A risk assessment of the Piql Services" by FFI

B.11 Armed Conflict

Scenario number 11

Armed conflict with strategic assault

Scenario justification

Justification : A scenario regarding Svalbard/the Northern areas is highly relevant, as it illustrates how the world is not politically stable. We cannot be sure the placement of the piqlVault is a safe one for 500 years, as much can change in the world in that time. Just imagine the world map in the year 1500 compared to what it is today. The piqlVault can, in other words, not expect to be completely safe from armed conflict during its existence. Depending on the level of sensitivity of the information stored on the piqlFilms, the Piql Preservation Services may also be the target for a military operation which is part of a larger context. Purpose : The purpose of this scenario is to illustrate the most extreme kind of attack a piqlVault would need to withstand, if the information stored is sensitive enough. The security parameters in such a scenario are of course largely supplied by the data owner, but the Piql system would still be expected to provide certain protections. Caveat : The only scenario in which an armed attack on the Piql Preservation Services is plausible is if the piqlFilms store information which is a matter of national security. The only plausible storage facility for such information is within a mountain repository. Hence, this scenario must take place in a mountain hall, even though it has been previously stated that in all scenarios the piqlVault is placed in an industrial or office building. Due to the placement in a mountain hall, we must also assume that additional safety and security measures are in place. The scenario is set in the geographical zone North (Northern Areas, the Arctic). In a future setting a state actor X has set world domination as its foreign policy priority. Europe is the first region to be conquered. However, in order to launch a successful attack on the rest of Europe, state X needs to take from the enemy what it believes to be intelligence about state X’ military capacity. This information could help the enemies of state X mount an effective defence against its future campaign in Europe when the time comes, and this must be prevented. After extensive planning, the state actor executes a night raid against the piqlVault, using EMWs and explosives to gain access to the facility. The EMW puts all electronic barriers around the perimeter out of commission, even manipulating the signals to allow access. Where that is insufficient, explosives and firepower is used to (controllably) blow open doors and put security guards out of action. State X successfully gains access to the storage room, which is not affected by the electromagnetic pulses, as it is placed inside the mountain hall. Had it been affected, the piqlVault system would not be functional. At gunpoint a Piql operator is commanded to order the pickup of the relevant piqlFilms, as well as several others to confuse the enemies of state X about its intent. Due to the remote location, the enemies of state X and the owner of the piqlFilms have been unable to summon backup in time, and state X leaves the way they came and disappear into the night. Scenario outline

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FFI-RAPPORT 16/00707