: 1) Explain at least one key federal plan, strategy, or guidance released to date and how they have contributed to the current structure of critical infrastructure security and resilience.
2) Define risk and explain the value of risk management to the homeland security enterprise.
3) Summarize at least one natural hazard, technological/accidental hazard, or adversarial/human-caused threat and provide a recent example.
4) Discuss at least one of the twelve technological/accidental hazards and provide a recent example.
5) Elaborate on at least one of the adversarial/human-caused threat examples and provide a recent example.
Full Answer Section
The NIPP outlines a number of strategies for critical infrastructure security and resilience, including:
- Identifying and prioritizing critical infrastructure assets
- Reducing risks to critical infrastructure assets
- Protecting critical infrastructure assets from attack
- Responding to and recovering from attacks on critical infrastructure assets
The NIPP has contributed to the current structure of critical infrastructure security and resilience by providing a framework for collaboration and coordination between the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector. The NIPP also provides guidance on how to identify, prioritize, and protect critical infrastructure assets.
Risk and Risk Management
Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm. Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks.
Risk management is important to the homeland security enterprise because it can help to prevent and reduce the impact of all types of hazards, including natural hazards, technological hazards, and adversarial threats.
To effectively manage risk, it is important to first identify the hazards that pose a threat to an organization or community. Once the hazards have been identified, the risks associated with each hazard can be assessed. The assessment should consider the likelihood of the hazard occurring and the potential impact of the hazard.
Once the risks have been assessed, mitigation strategies can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of the hazards. Mitigation strategies can include physical security measures, such as fencing and security cameras, as well as procedural changes, such as training employees on emergency procedures.
Natural Hazard
One example of a natural hazard is a hurricane. Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian struck the southwest coast of Florida as a Category 4 storm. Ian caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The storm also caused power outages and flooding.
Technological Hazard
One example of a technological hazard is a cyberattack. Cyberattacks can be used to disrupt or disable critical infrastructure systems and services.
In 2021, a cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, a major pipeline company in the United States, caused the company to shut down its pipeline for several days. The shutdown led to fuel shortages in the southeastern United States.
Adversarial/Human-Caused Threat
One example of an adversarial/human-caused threat is a terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks can be used to target critical infrastructure systems and services.
In 2001, the September 11th terrorist attacks targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The attacks caused significant damage to both buildings and resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.
Conclusion
Critical infrastructure security and resilience is essential to protecting the nation from all types of hazards, including natural hazards, technological hazards, and adversarial threats. The NIPP provides a framework for collaboration and coordination between the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector to protect and enhance the security and resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure. Risk management is also important to the homeland security enterprise because it can help to prevent and reduce the impact of all types of hazards.
Sample Answer
Federal Plan, Strategy, or Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience
One key federal plan for critical infrastructure security and resilience is the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). The NIPP is a collaborative effort between the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector to protect and enhance the security and resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure. The NIPP was first published in 2003 and has been updated several times since then.