Critical infrastructure refers to the systems, networks, and assets that are considered essential for the functioning of a society and economy, and are deserving of special protection for national security. These critical infrastructure sectors are vital to the United States and their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health, or safety, or any combination thereof. The U.S. has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors, including areas such as energy, transportation, communication, and emergency services. These sectors are part of a complex, interconnected ecosystem, and any threat to them could have potentially debilitating national security, economic, and public health or safety consequences.
In summary, critical infrastructure encompasses a wide range of systems and assets that are crucial for the functioning of a society and economy, and their protection is essential for national security and the well-being of citizens.
