What Industries Need Critical Infrastructure Protection

Technology is why society has been able to advance so far. The ability to control and harness power that was previously unavailable is what builds society. This evolution in technology was not an issue until it gave birth to larger cities and farms. Although it brought together many people across the world, it also focused a lot of power and technology into one spot. This funnel of power is very important, as it provides everyone with the necessities they have grown accustomed to. Things such as power or internet do not work without these spots of infrastructure. However, this also means there is just one spot for failure. That is why critical infrastructure protection is so important.

What Is Critical Infrastructure Protection

Critical infrastructure is a vital part of any society and can be defined as any service that a government provides to or protects for the citizens that is essential to their lives. This includes things such as large agricultural areas, power plants, and other facilities that supply resources to the country or state. Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) is how the government and other agencies protect these vital systems from outside threats. These threats can take several forms, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

There are many ways that CIP protects the nation’s assets, from laws and procedures, such as the NERC background check in energy industries, to physical personnel. To better understand what CIP is, you should first understand what it protects.

What Industries Need Critical Infrastructure Protection

There are numerous industries and sectors that need protection if they are to continue serving the public. They can differ wildly from one another, but they all have one thing in common—they all provide a valuable service to a huge number of people. If even one of these industries suffers a bit of damage, thousands, if not millions, of people can suffer for days.

The Energy Industry

The energy industry is the entire infrastructure that provides electricity and other forms of power to the country. This industry is one of the most important to the USA, as energy powers almost every function of life. Even the other industries on this list need the energy system to work non-stop.

The Communication Industry

This industry consists of all the communication infrastructure around the country. This is a vital function of the country, as it enables the other industries to share information. This is one of the most common targets of cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of the information it keeps.

The Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is in charge of any and all dangerous chemicals and their disposal. Businesses within this industry are important to scientific and industrial industries. Without the chemical industry, everyone is at risk from toxic chemicals. This industry not only suffers from natural disasters but also cyberattacks.

The Commercial Facilities Industry

Most of this industry includes individual businesses that can be found anywhere. From shopping malls to singular stores, the commercial facilities industry is where most people come in contact with cyberattacks. Many people have had their information stolen by a company they shopped, which is why critical infrastructure protection is so crucial in this field.

The Manufacturing Industry

America has a very vibrant and vital manufacturing industry that needs to remain constantly vigilant. This industry is a large supporter of the economy and produces many of the goods and products in America. That is why manufacturing jobs are so important and why this industry sees constant cyberattacks.

The Information Technology Industry

The information technology industry is the one that is most in charge of the internet and the programming of computers. That is why it is so important that it is under constant guard. Basically, everything is part of the Internet of Things. So, a potential attack on this industry can devastate a lot of lives.

The Dams Industry

The dams industry may not seem like a very important one to anyone who does not live near a dam. However, dams are extremely important and are huge targets for potential terrorist attacks. The dams industry also helps control a lot of the water maintenance and water systems around the United States.

The Defense Industrial Base Industry

This industry essentially encompasses the military and all the ways that the USA supplies its weapons and defense force. Without careful planning and intense security, the US would have all of its military secrets stolen, and millions of lives would be at risk. This is a very important industry for the USA.

The Emergency Service Industry

This relates to the personnel, equipment, and systems that serve to protect the public from crime and immediate health risks. This includes police officers, firefighters, and hospital staff that save lives every day. These groups are constantly at risk from potential cyberattacks and need the protection of CIP.

The Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry is in charge of all the food grown across the United States. Without a working agriculture industry, millions would go hungry. This industry also protects people from any food-borne diseases.

The Financial Industry

The financial industry is a huge target for terrorist attacks, as it has full control over the economy and our nation’s money. There are constant cyberattacks in this field, not just from terrorists but from individuals trying to steal a lot of money. As such, it’s clear why CIP is necessary for this industry.

The Nuclear Reactor Industry

This is a new industry that can impact a lot of lives. It is separate from the energy industry, as it includes the disposal of radioactive material and presents a greater danger to the public should something go awry. This is an important industry to protect.

The Transportation Industry

Although it might seem safe, the transportation industry is vital to various daily functions throughout the US. Without good transportation, many operations throughout the country would not function correctly, from transporting goods to the movement of people.

The Water Industry

Without water, people can only live a few days. That is why the water industry is so important to the country. Not only does this industry deal with drinking water, but it also monitors the sewage systems and other waterways that need protection.

The Government Industry

It may seem odd, but the government needs to protect itself. That is why there is a large amount of effort that goes into protecting it and ensuring it can function correctly and protect its people.

Now that you know what industries need critical infrastructure protection, you should understand the value of it better. Without CIP, the nation would not function as smoothly as it currently does, and everyone’s lives would likely change for the worse.