ABSTRACT
Our national well-being relies upon secure and resilient critical infrastructure – those assets, systems, and networks that underpin American society. The Department of Homeland Security is playing a key role in identifying, prioritizing, and coordinating the overall national effort for enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources. As of today, 16 infrastructure sectors with their assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are defined as critical. These include: chemical; commercial facilities; communications; critical manufacturing; dams; defense industrial base; emergency services; energy; financial services; government facilities; healthcare and public health; information technology; nuclear reactors, materials. and waste; transportation systems; and water and wastewater system. National Infrastructure Protection Plan provides a coordinated approach, making sure that resources are applied in the most effective and efficient manner to reduce vulnerability, deter threats, and minimize the consequences of attacks and other incidents.
