National Infrastructure Security Month: What Does it Mean?

November is National Infrastructure Security Month. Most people take for granted the infrastructure systems and services that support us – from transportation systems to communications networks to office buildings to concerts. These and more are part of our nation’s critical infrastructure.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says, “Infrastructure Security Month is a time to shine a light on the vital role that critical infrastructure systems and places play in keeping the nation and our communities safe, secure and prosperous.”

For those who work to support America’s infrastructure, the month is to help educate business leaders, community leaders, and the general public on the importance of maintaining a resilient national infrastructure.

“America’s national security and economic prosperity are increasingly dependent upon critical infrastructure that is at risk from a variety of hazards and threats, both natural and man-made, including aging or failing infrastructure, extreme weather, cyberattacks, or evolving terrorism threats that impact our economy and communities,” says CISA.

The ever-evolving threats to critical infrastructure has necessitated a shift from a focus on asset protection to an overarching system that builds resilience from all threats and hazards, explains CISA.

CISA shares several ways those in the field can help to educate the public and private industry on critical infrastructure:

• Implement training exercises to improve security and resilience
• Review and revise business continuity and emergency plans
• Learn about resources available for vulnerability assessments and continuity plans
• Promote interagency and multi-level collaboration on critical infrastructure issues
• Integrate cybersecurity into facility and operational protective measures
• Promote training and exercise opportunities to owners, operators, and internal staff

CISA offers many tools to critical infrastructure experts to support the goals of National Infrastructure Security Month and to maintain them all year long. Tools include exercises, training, vulnerability assessments, and sector-specific plans.

The month is also the opportunity for Americans to consider how they impact the security of the infrastructure that we count on day to day: clean water, agriculture, utilities, and more.

“We can do our part at home, at work, and in our community by being vigilant, incorporating basic safety practices and cybersecurity behaviors into our daily routines, and making sure that if we see something, we say something by reporting suspicious activities to local law enforcement,” says CISA.

Regardless of whether you are a critical infrastructure expert or a member of the public, protecting our infrastructure comes down to managing risk.

“Managing risks to critical infrastructure involves preparing for all hazards, reinforcing the resilience of our assets and networks, and staying ever-vigilant and informed,” says CISA. “We all need to play a role in keeping infrastructure strong, secure, and resilient.”

Want to learn about critical infrastructure? Capitol Tech offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in security, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. Many courses are available both on campus and online. To learn more about Capitol Tech’s degree programs, contact admissions@captechu.edu.