critical infrastructure
Critical infrastructure is the body of systems, networks and assets that are so essential that their continued operation is required to ensure the security of a given nation, its economy, and the public’s health and/or safety.
Although critical infrastructure is similar in all nations due to the basic requirements of life, the infrastructure deemed critical can vary according to a nation’s needs, resources and development level. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies 16 sectors for critical infrastructure:
Chemical sector:
Basic chemicals
Specialty chemicals
Agricultural chemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Consumer products
Commercial Facilities Sector:
Entertainment and media
Gaming
Lodging
Outdoor events
Public assembly
Real estate
Retail
Sports leagues
Communications Sector:
Energy sector related to powering communications technologies
Information technology sector control systems and services
Financial services sector communications
Emergency services sector communications
Critical Manufacturing Sector:
Primary Metal Manufacturing
Iron and Steel Mills and Ferro Alloy Manufacturing
Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing
Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing
Machinery Manufacturing
Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Vehicle Manufacturing
Aviation and Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing
Dams Sector:
Communications for operations and control
Energy
Food and agriculture
Transportation systems
Major roads may traverse dams.
Water
Defense Industrial Base Sector
Emergency Services Sector:
Law Enforcement
Fire and Emergency Services
Emergency Management
Emergency Medical Services
Public Works
Hazardous Materials
Search and Rescue
Hazardous Devices Team/Public Safety Bomb Disposal
Tactical Teams (i.e., SWAT)
Aviation Units (i.e., police and medevac helicopters)
Public Safety Answering Points (i.e., 9-1-1 call centers)
Energy Sector:
Electricity
Oil
Natural gas
Financial Services Sector:
Depository institutions
Providers of investment products
Insurance companies
Credit and financing organizations
Food and Agriculture Sector:
Farms
Restaurants
Food manufacturing, processing, and storage facilities
Government Facilities Sector:
Education
National monuments and Icons
Healthcare and Public Health Sector
Information Technology Sector
Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector:
Nuclear power plants
Non-power nuclear reactors used for research, testing, and training
Manufacturers of nuclear reactors or components
Radioactive materials used primarily in medical, industrial, and academic settings
Nuclear fuel cycle facilities
Decommissioned nuclear power reactors
Transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear and radioactive waste
Transportation Systems Sector:
Aviation
Highway Infrastructure and Motor Carrier
Maritime Transportation System
Mass Transit and Passenger Rail
Pipeline Systems
Freight Rail
Postal and Shipping
Water and Wastewater Systems Sector