Main Content

3: National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets

Overview

"My Fellow Americans, the September 11, 2001, attacks demonstrated the extent of our vulnerability to the terrorist threat. In the aftermath of these tragic events, we, as a Nation, have demonstrated firm resolve in protecting our critical infrastructures and key assets from further terrorist exploitation. In this effort, government at all levels, the private sector, and concerned citizens across the country have begun an important partnership and commitment to action. To address the threat posed by those who wish to harm the United States, critical infrastructure owners and operators are assessing their vulnerabilities and increasing their investment in security. State and municipal governments across the country continue to take important steps to identify and assure the protection of key assets and services within their jurisdictions. Federal departments and agencies are working closely with industry to take stock of key assets and facilitate protective actions, while improving the timely exchange of important security-related information. The Office of Homeland Security is working closely with key public- and private-sector entities to implement the Homeland Security Advisory System across all levels of government and the critical sectors. Finally, I commend the Members of Congress for working diligently to pass comprehensive legislation that will unify our national critical infrastructure and key asset protection efforts in the new Department of Homeland Security."
- President George W. Bush, February 2003

In this lesson, you will study the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.  This document identifies a clear set of national goals and objectives and outlines the guiding principles that will underpin our efforts to secure the CIKR vital to our national security, governance, public health and safety, economy, and public confidence.  

Lesson Objectives

At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be capable of:

  1. Identifying the national goals and objectives for protecting critical infrastructure and key assets, as established in 2003.
  2. Recommending measures to improve the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.
  3. Using this strategy as a milestone to measure against when considering the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (Lessons 4 &5).
     

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.

Study Guide

Review any previous course readings relevant to homeland security, CIKR protection and individual research notes to establish a frame of reference/context for this lesson.

Determine - in your opinion – the key points of this strategy that will guide the executive branch departments and states, territories and tribal entities in identifying and protecting our nation’s CIKR.

Scan the topics and student learning tasks/graded assignment before reading the strategy to gain an overview of the focus and the areas relevant to the graded assignment. 

Capture your questions/comments for the discussion forum and graded assignment as you proceed through the required reading and any independent research.

Seek answers to your questions through either Instructor or collegial contact in the student forum.

Maintain an open/receptive mind as you discuss contentious issues; not everyone shares the same views.

Be prepared to collaborate with/assist other students.


Top of page