Critical Infrastructures provide necessary functionality upon which a society depends, yet often overlook. Critical infrastructure systems are complex and highly interdependent.

In previous decades, the only real threats facing infrastructure came from natural disasters, which tend to be localized to one region and have a fixed and, at times, predictable duration. 

In addition to acts of terrorism, critical infrastructure systems are also vulnerable to criminal activity, accidents and natural disasters. Some of these vulnerabilities and their consequences are increased by the same shortcomings cited by terrorism experts, such as limited surveillance, poor communication, and inadequate physical infrastructure. In many of these cases, improving infrastructure security would also produce safety and disaster response benefits.

Given the criticality of the systems, networks, and assets we rely on so greatly, the protection of such infrastructure is essential to not only our well-being, but also our way of life. Government agencies, private industries, educational institutions, and citizens all have a vested interest in our critical infrastructures

The following sectors have been specified as Critical infrastructure by the European Union and the United States:

• Transportation
• Power
• Information and Communications
• Emergency services
• Fire departments
• Banking and finance
• Federal and municipal services
• Law enforcement agencies
• Public works
• Agriculture and food
• National monuments and icons

To detect, prevent or moderate the consequences of possible threats, the critical infrastructure must be strategically protected. The risks, vulnerability and level of own capabilities must be analyzed. Ericsson Security Solutions provides complete, flexible and robust security solutions ranging from analysis, design, integration and installation to training and support.