Synopsis
Because the majority of critical infrastructure components in the United States are privately owned, compliance with Department of Homeland Security risk assessment methods remains voluntary. Risk assessments of critical infrastructure focus on threat, vulnerability, and consequences, with all types of assessments integral to helping improve resilience and mitigate problems (GAO, 2017). A vulnerability analysis of the nation’s information technology critical infrastructure reveals several points of weakness and security gaps. The Department of Homeland Security (2018) infrastructure survey tool can be used alongside the systems dynamics approach to vulnerability assessment. These tools reveal the inherent strengths of complex, interdependent information technology systems, while also revealing the potential weaknesses in a decentralized approach.
Executive Summary
Two of the most salient methods of conducting vulnerability assessments on critical infrastructure include the opt-in survey offered by the Department of Homeland Security, which targets the physical facilities, and the systems dynamics approach. Information technology is a unique critical infrastructure in that it includes both a physical, concrete component (such as hardware) and an abstract, information-based core content. Therefore, combining a systems dynamics approach with the DHS survey tool reveals the particular vulnerabilities evident in the information technology critical infrastructure. Strengths include the prevalence of some open systems and dynamic communications methodologies, plus advanced physical security defense mechanisms. Identifiable weaknesses include inconsistent risk assessment and mitigation methods, and the risks with private sector knowledge leakage. Cyber threats remain a major vulnerability. More information would be needed before a more thorough risk assessment could be conducted.
Introduction
Information technology is one of the nearly twenty critical infrastructure component the Department of Homeland Security recognizes. The DHS offers specific strategic planning interventions for these sectors, with voluntary compliance expected and counted upon to preserve national security interests. Hardware manufacturers and the members of their supply chains, software developers, and service providers all fall under the general rubric of...
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