Why Is Critical Infrastructure Important

Critical Infrastructure (CI) is very important because the nation relies on it to carry out its essential activities. Since there are many essential activities that must be carry out at all times across the nation, CI has been divided into 16 different CI sectors (Department of Homeland Security, 2017). While each sector is different and perform different functions, all CI sectors are interdependent. That means that each CI sector relies on the functions of other CI sector(s) in order to be able to carry out their functions. That is why all CI Sectors are equally important because the disruption of one CI sector could also lead to the disruption of another or multiple CI sectors. Therefore, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) is a vital component of many homeland security strategies. CIP efforts are mainly driven by Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 21 as well as by the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) (Hemme, 2015). …show more content…
The large flows of people and goods that are facilitated by the Transportation Systems Sector not only helps improve the U.S. economy, but it also helps ensure that the other CI sectors have the materials they need to carry out their essential functions. Within the Transportation Systems Sector, there are seven subsectors, which are aviation, highway and motor carrier, maritime transportation system, mass transit and passenger rail, pipeline systems, freight rail, and postal and shipping (DHS, 2017). Each of the aforementioned subsectors provide the infrastructure or essential services that can play a key role during