---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/glossary/critical-infrastructure'
title: 'Critical Infrastructure'
description: 'Explore what critical infrastructure is, why it''s vital for societal & economic stability, and how it''s protected through national & international efforts.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'critical infrastructure'
---

# Critical Infrastructure

## What is Critical Infrastructure?

**Critical infrastructure** refers to the physical and cyber-based systems essential to
the minimum operations of the economy and [government](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-public-sector). These
systems are so vital that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact
on national security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination
thereof.

It includes sectors like [energy](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-energy), water, transportation,
communications, and more, each critical to maintaining the daily functions of society and
supporting the national economy.

> - **Critical infrastructure includes essential systems and assets vital for a nation's
>   functioning.**
> - Encompasses sectors such as [energy](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-energy), water, transportation, and
>   [healthcare](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-healthcare).
> - Protected through stringent security measures to prevent disruptions.
> - Interdependency of these sectors can lead to cascading effects during disruptions.

---

The protection and resilience of critical infrastructure involve efforts to understand and
mitigate risks that could lead to severe disruption or catastrophic failure. Given the
complex interdependencies between infrastructure sectors, a disruption in one sector could
precipitate a cascading effect across others, potentially leading to significant societal
and economic breakdowns.

### Key Sectors of Critical Infrastructure

- **Energy Sector:** Includes production and distribution of electricity, gas, and oil,
  which are vital for powering homes, businesses, and
  [government](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-public-sector) functions.
- **Water and Wastewater Systems:** Encompass water supply, water treatment plants, and
  sewage systems crucial for public health and environmental safety.
- **Transportation:** Involves airports, ports, railways, and highways essential for the
  movement of goods and people.
- **Healthcare and Public Health:** Critical for providing health services and protecting
  the population against health threats.
- **Financial Services:** Supports economic stability through
  [banking](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-banking), investment services, and credit and liquidity
  provision.

### Threats to Critical Infrastructure

- **Cyber Attacks:** Increasingly sophisticated cyber threats target operational
  technology systems and networks.
- **Natural Disasters:** Earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes can cause significant damage
  to physical infrastructure.
- **Terrorism and Sabotage:** Intentional acts aimed at disrupting services or causing
  widespread harm.
- **Technological Failures:** Breakdowns in critical systems due to aging infrastructure
  or maintenance failures.

Effective management and protection of critical infrastructure require a coordinated
approach involving [government](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-public-sector), the private sector, and
other [stakeholders](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-stakeholder). Implementing robust security practices,
conducting regular risk assessments, and fostering a culture of resilience are fundamental
to protecting these vital assets.

---

## Critical Infrastructure FAQs

### What constitutes critical infrastructure?

Critical infrastructure consists of the assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or
virtual, so vital to a country that their incapacitation or destruction would have a
severe effect on security, economic security, public health, or safety.

### How is critical infrastructure protected?

Protection strategies include robust cybersecurity measures, physical security
enhancements, emergency preparedness programs, and collaborative efforts between
government and industry to identify and mitigate risks.

### Why is critical infrastructure interconnected?

Interconnectivity helps in efficient operation and delivery of services but also poses
challenges as disruptions in one sector can lead to significant impacts on others,
highlighting the need for comprehensive resilience strategies.