What defines critical infrastructure and key resources? ✓ Solved

Critical infrastructures are the assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, public health or safety. Some examples of what are considered to be critical infrastructure are major highways, railways, and connecting bridges and tunnels. Key resources are publicly or privately controlled resources essential to the minimal operations of the economy and government, such as water treatment facilities, electrical grids, and national fuel businesses. The vast majority of our national critical infrastructure and key resources is privately owned and operated, which means ensuring its protection and resiliency involves an unprecedented partnership between government and the private sector.

Terrorism is defined as acts of violence intentionally perpetrated on civilian non-combatants with the goal of furthering some ideological, religious or political objective. Terrorists choose targets that will cause the most disruption and their main objective is often to persuade others to join their preferred religion or ideology. Additionally, terrorists seek support from sympathizers worldwide to obtain information or even carry out acts of terror on behalf of their organization. They employ tactics such as violence, threats, and instilling fear to change policies and beliefs aligned with their own.

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Critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) play a fundamental role in the stability and functioning of both national security and the economy. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies critical infrastructures as physical and virtual assets, systems, and networks whose incapacitation would have devastating effects on the nation (DHS, 2009). This encompasses various sectors including transportation, energy, communications, healthcare, and financial services. In understanding the implications of these infrastructures, it becomes crucial to not only recognize their components but to analyze them in the context of potential threats they face, particularly from terrorist activities.

Defining Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure comprises a broad range of sectors essential for the economy and public welfare. For instance, the transportation networks—including highways, railroads, and airports—facilitate travel and commerce. Energy infrastructure, such as electrical grids and oil refineries, are vital for powering homes and industries. Similarly, water treatment facilities and sanitation systems ensure public health by providing safe drinking water and managing waste (Fay, 2010).

The Role of Key Resources

Key resources, on the other hand, are publicly or privately controlled resources necessary for the basic operational capabilities of the economy and governance. These include essential services like food supply chains and communication networks. The interdependence of critical infrastructure and key resources underlines their significance; the disruption of one can lead to cascading effects on the other, amplifying the potential impact of a terrorist attack (Ackerman et al., 2007).

Terrorist Motivations

The motivations underlying terrorist actions against critical infrastructure are multifaceted. Terrorists aim to instill fear and undermine public confidence in government institutions (Borum, 2004). Attacks on high-profile targets lead to mass media coverage, amplifying their impact and spreading terror among the population. For example, the September 11 attacks exemplified how targeting transportation systems could disrupt national operations and evoke widespread panic (SCMT101 Week 7).

Furthermore, according to various studies, terrorists often seek to achieve a political agenda or ideological transformation by coercing governments into altering their policies (CTED, 2018). This use of terror to gain leverage in political negotiations illustrates a strategic element behind attacks on critical infrastructures. An example is Al Qaeda's attempts to disrupt utilities and infrastructures, as evidenced by the targeted attacks on oil companies and transportation hubs (Bonito, 2018).

Consequences of Attacks

The consequences of terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure can be profound. Not only do they result in immediate physical destruction and loss of life, but they also lead to long-term socio-economic issues such as job losses, economic instability, and mental health crises among the affected populations. The psychological impact can be seen through increased anxiety and fear of further attacks. As highlighted by recent incidents in Europe and the United States, the frequency and severity of attacks necessitate robust protective measures and resilience strategies to mitigate their impact (DHS, 2009).

Conclusion

Ultimately, the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources from terrorist threats is paramount for maintaining national security and protecting public welfare. A collaborative effort between governmental bodies, private sector entities, and the general public is essential for fostering a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding and recovering from such attacks. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, ongoing assessment and adaptation of security protocols and strategies will be essential in safeguarding the nation’s vital systems.

References

  • Department of Homeland Security. (2009). The protection of critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks.

  • Fay, J. (2010). Contemporary security management. Elsevier Science & Technology.

  • CTED. (2018). Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure. United Nations.

  • Borum, R. (2004). Psychology of terrorism. Tampa: University of South Florida.

  • Ackerman, G., Abhayaratne, P., Bale, J., Bhattacharjee, A., Blair, C., Hansell, L., Jayne, A., Kosal, M., Lucas, S., Moran, K., Seroki, L., & Vadlamudi, S. (2007). Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure. United States.

  • SCMT101 Week 7. Course Readings on Terrorism and Security.

  • Bonito, D. (2018). The landscape of terrorism: An analysis of attitudes and actions.

  • U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2019). High Risk Series: An Update.

  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan. (2013). Department of Homeland Security.

  • International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection. (2020). Strategies for managing infrastructure threats.