Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month Coming Up

Every morning I give thanks for the hot water in my shower. Most of us have had a cold shower at some point, and I love my hot shower. It takes a potable water supply and for me, natural gas to heat the water. Having lights in the bathroom is a nice benefit. I also tell "Alexa" to give me the morning news and weather forecast.  All of the above just seems to happen magically...and, in reality it is a complex system of systems that makes my pleasant morning routine possible. 

With the above in mind, note the information below from the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Security Agency. When infrastructure stops functioning, it is more than my hot shower that gets impacted 

November 1 marks the start of this year’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month

The nation’s infrastructure relies on a highly interdependent environment, in which cyber and physical systems converge. An impact in one area can quickly ripple across sectors to create disruptions across a community or even the nation. The threats we face—digital and physical, man-made, technological, and natural—are more complex, and the threat actors more diverse, than at any point in history. Determined nation-state adversaries continue to target America’s infrastructure networks. Severe weather can be a threat anywhere in the country. And even public gathering places have been attacked.

Infrastructure Security Month is a time to shine a light on the vital role that these systems and places play in keeping the nation and our communities safe, secure and prosperous. It is also a time to think about how each of us can contribute to the security and resilience of the nation’s most essential services and functions—things like instant access to energy; safe, clean drinking water; reliable transportation; agriculture that supplies plentiful food year around; and even chemicals that are the building blocks of everything from plastics to electronics to fuel. Our infrastructure also public venues that draw communities together to worship, learn, or even enjoy a game or concert.

Throughout the month of November, we are encouraging resilience through preparedness and exercises, and promoting smart, secure investment in resilient national infrastructure. Each week, we will highlight a different theme through a month-long social media campaign.  

For more information on Infrastructure Security Month, please visit www.CISA.gov, where you can find a toolkit with ideas for getting engaged, as well as downloadable graphics for your website and other communications.