Main Content
Lesson 5: Critical Infastructure and Key Resources
HSPD-7: Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection
The basis for the federal government’s role in critical infrastructure protection comes from HSPD-7 which established a national policy for federal departments and agencies to identify, prioritize, and protect the nation’s critical infrastructure which is defined as those assets, systems, and networks that are essential to preserving national security, public safety, economic health, and the social security of our citizens and our communities.
Examples of critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) include
- primary roads, bridges, and highways;
- key data storage and processing facilities, major banking centers;
- public water systems;
- major power generation facilities;
- nuclear power plants; and
- chemical facilities in close proximity to large population centers.
HSPD-7 designates lead federal agencies, known as sector-specific agencies, that must collaborate with the private sector. These agencies must work with industry to facilitate the sharing of information about physical and cyber threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, potential protective measures, and best practices.