****ANSWER POST 250 WORDS MIN****
Discussion Questions: 1) In your own words, construct an overview of the critical information sector you choose for this discussion.
2) Examine at least three of the following:
Unique aspects as they relate to national security
Risks/threats/hazards/vulnerabilities related to national security
Potential countermeasures/mitigations related to continuity of operations
Minimizing disruption and improving first responder safety
Cross-sector dependencies/interdependencies
3) Give your opinion on how either a physical attack, a cyber event, or a natural disaster could impact critical infrastructure.
****REPLY TO EACH POST 100 WORDS MIN EACH****
1. Modern society relies on the free flow of people and goods, which is made possible by the transportation industry. It has been instrumental in promoting international trade and commerce for centuries. Globally, people, businesses, and governments all rely on reliable and accessible modes of transportation to go where they need to go. The public uses it for work and play, and businesses depend on it to provide goods and services to clients and partners worldwide. Government spending on transportation infrastructure like roads, bridges, and airports helps the economy since it facilitates commerce on a national and international scale, employs people, and boosts productivity (Raza et al., 2019). Trade, business, and travel, as well as economic growth and development, would not be possible in today’s society without the transportation sector.
It is impossible to overestimate the significance of the transportation industry to the safety and well-being of the American people. However, various risks, threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities could negatively impact national security. Disruptions in the transportation sector could be caused by perils such as cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, infrastructure failures, and natural catastrophes. Several efforts can be taken to lessen the impact of these dangers. The transportation sector can continue functioning normally during and after an interruption thanks to a continuity of operations plan. In a disaster, the transportation sector can continue to work because of this plan’s backup systems, redundancies, and alternative routes (Lawther & Martin, 2015). Improved collaboration between agencies and departments to share information and coordinate reactions to potential threats and heightened surveillance and screening of passengers and cargo are two more techniques for bolstering security. By taking these precautions, the transportation industry will be better able to safeguard national security and continue operating normally in the face of disruptions.
Maintaining the free flow of products and services, avoiding potential economic damage, and maintaining public trust in the safety and security of our transportation infrastructure all depend on preventing physical attacks on the transportation industry. Therefore, we must take all required actions to protect our transportation networks and forestall any lasting effects on the sector. I believe the United States transportation sector has not encountered any significant attacks. However, there have been notable mishaps related to transportation infrastructure, including the 2017 Amtrak derailment in Washington state and the 2018 bridge collapse in Miami (TNS, 2018). Despite these occurrences, the transportation sector remains vital to our nation’s infrastructure and security. Ongoing efforts are being made to uphold its safety and durability.
2.The United States telecommunications are all related to the communication sector. This sector offers wireless, internet, and landlines for all users, individuals, and businesses. The more the technology develops, the more the sector is subject to security breaches. This sector is crucial for communication across the United States for other key infrastructure sectors like electricity, transportation, emergency services, etc.
Potential countermeasures/mitigations related to continuity of operations:
Risk assessment results and the execution of this plan are the number one priority for owners and operators in the communications sector. Risk management activities are used to prevent attacks and disasters or minimize vulnerability, whether it be natural catastrophes or terrorist attacks. Owners and operators decide, based on their viability, which risk mitigation strategies to put in place and prioritize. The communication sector executes risk reduction initiatives with various mitigations based on the hazards identified. For instance, cybersecurity risks and physical risks must be mitigated differently. Installing GPS antennas in earthquake-prone areas will require different techniques than addressing cybersecurity vulnerability (Communications Sector Specific-Plan an Annex to the NIPP 2013, 2015).
Give your opinion on how a physical attack, a cyber event, or a natural disaster could impact
the critical infrastructure.
The communication industry would be greatly impact in case of natural disaster for several reason. The menace never ends and its consequence are constantly ambiguous. The communication will be impacted in the area where natural disaster occurred. The ability to communicate would be affect.