Homework Responses Wk 7

What defines critical infrastructure and key resources?

Critical infrastructure and key resources (CKIR) are a combination of natural and artificial assets and systems important to a nation’s functioning and survival. Critical infrastructure is defined as physical or virtual assets, systems, and networks that are vital to the point where any destruction or disruption will cripple the economy, security, public health and safety (DHS,2009). These assets include, transportation, cyber, energy, telecommunications, food and agriculture, water and chemical plants. In addition, key resources include the core services that are publicly or privately owned that aid the operation of the economy and government.

Specific to the threat of terrorism related to these critical assets, can you describe the possible motivations for those carrying out terrorist activities?

Terrorist intentions as discussed in week 7 readings are directed towards “intimidation of civilians, influencing government policies or conduct by force, mass destructions, assassination, or kidnapping (SCMT101 Week 7).” In addition, terrorists are aware that critical infrastructures are high value targets and disruption or damage on them will cause public fear and intimidation (Ackerman et al., 2007). Al Qaeda have attempted to disrupt US public and private utilities in the past with structural analysis programs for dams found on a computer. The transportation system over the world has been frequently attacked by terrorist groups. Thus the 9/11 attacks and Brussels airport in 2016. Other attacks have seen Al Qaeda attack oil companies in the middle east while key water infrastructure such as pipes, sanitation plants, and bridges have been destroyed by ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Attacks can also be committed by releasing chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in a form of pathogens into food supply chains or water pipes with the intention to cause mass destruction to a society (CTED, 2018).

 

Bonito-

 

 

References:

Ackerman, G, Abhayaratne, P, Bale, J, Bhattacharjee, A, Blair, C, Hansell, L, Jayne, A, Kosal, M, Lucas, S, Moran, K, Seroki, L, & Vadlamudi, S. Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/902328

CTED & UNOCT, 2018. The protection of critical infrastructures against against terrorist attacks. https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ctc/sites/www.un.org.securitycouncil.ctc/files/files/documents/2021/Jan/compendium_of_good_practices_eng.pdf

DHS, 2009. CIKR. https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2009/11/19/cikr#:~:text=CIKR%20stands%20for%20%E2%80%9CCritical%20Infrastructure,vitality%2C%20and%20way%20of%20life.