Student Post #6

Michelle Shorter

          Throughout history, the United States has prioritized national security and supported a solid and secure national infrastructure. The United States has invested heavily in creating a comprehensive foundation for fostering a safety, intelligence, and security culture. However, distinct vulnerabilities remain within the nation's critical infrastructure and essential resources. Primarily, there are concerns associated with terrorism at the domestic and international levels, as well as issues regarding the country's digital infrastructure. 

          Terrorism remains a significant threat to the United States national security. According to Klovens (2015), homeland security gaps are prominent throughout the nation's infrastructure, primarily due to poor executive leadership and limited public policies, which fuel human fears and trepidation. Critical aspects of the nation's infrastructure are not adequately supported due to a lack of public policy and funding. In a news report covered by CBS News (2015), it was further cited by Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly that there are vulnerabilities associated with privacy and collecting data to pursue criminal threats.

          Furthermore, Smith (2016) stated that the United States is in an excellent state of vulnerability from the perspective of the power grid. Power grids are critical sources of digital resources, such as internet access, and they may be easily compromised or manipulated by terrorist groups that seek to wreak havoc on communities and the general public, as is accurate in terms of a physical and digital perspective. For instance, Smith (2016) noted that power grids could easily be compromised by breaking in and conducting physical damage. However, they may also be compromised by sophisticated digital attacks, such as cyberterrorism, which is becoming more prominent in society than ever (Jarvis & Macdonald, 2015). Terrorist organizations are becoming more technologically advanced, creating distinct digital vulnerabilities that could strip the nation's digital infrastructure protections. 

          With that being said, there are ways in which these identified vulnerable areas can be addressed and improved upon. For instance, Klovens (2015) recommended investing more financial resources into public policies supporting weak critical infrastructure areas. At the same time, action is needed to preserve the country's power grids, which will further help safeguard the public against terrorist threats and attacks, both physical and digital. According to Sullivan and Kamensky (2017), investing in alternative energy sources and building up the security infrastructure of these power grid systems are imperative actions that need to be taken to mitigate the risks that could compromise the integrity of the nation's power sources. 

          The Bible emphasizes responsible stewardship, specifically by ensuring that resources are identified and utilized appropriately for the safety and well-being of the people. As expressed in Genesis 1;28, God exclaimed the first request for His people to create and care for others utilizing the gifts He bestowed upon all. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (English Standard Version). Administrators must focus on using resources effectively to protect the country from domestic and international threats; such will help support a more robust critical infrastructure.