What is Critical Infrastructure? | IBM
These infrastructures are considered essential because their disruption would impact public safety, security and health or economic stability. Critical infrastructure includes both physical and virtual components that are interconnected and interdependent.
Most countries and governing bodies maintain rules around how critical infrastructure must be managed. For example, in the US, government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Department of Energy define regulations and standards pertaining to critical infrastructure security and management. Presidential Policy Directive 21 advances a national unity of effort to strengthen and maintain secure, functioning and resilient critical infrastructure.
It’s important for those who manage such systems to be aware of the latest regulations, best practices and technologies for managing the well-being of important infrastructure. Critical infrastructure sectors are all around us:
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Energy sector: Nuclear reactors, electrical grids, oil and natural gas facilities, pipelines and fuel storage.
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Chemical sector: Petrochemical manufacturing, agricultural chemical production and chemical distribution.
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Transportation sector: Airports, seaports, railways, highways, bridges and public transit systems.
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Water and wastewater systems: Water treatment plants, reservoirs, dams, pumping stations and sewer systems.
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Communications sector: Telecommunication networks, internet service providers and satellite systems.
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Financial services sector: Banks, stock exchanges, payment systems and clearinghouses.
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Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics and medical supply chains.
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Emergency services: Police, fire departments and emergency management systems.
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Food and agriculture: Farms, food processing facilities, distribution networks and food safety systems.
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Government: Defense industrial base, federal government facilities and national security systems.
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Information Technology: Data centers, critical software and hardware, cybersecurity systems and internet infrastructure.
These infrastructures are often interconnected, and disruptions in one sector can have cascading effects on other sectors, leading to widespread consequences.
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