Security of infrastructures and utilities

A critical infrastructure is defined by the EC as an asset, system or part thereof located in Member States which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions, health, safety, security, economic or social well-being of people, and the disruption or destruction of which would have a significant impact in a Member State as a result of the failure to maintain those functions.
Critical infrastructures cover a diverse number of physical, logical and organisational systems from sensitive and administrative buildings, train and subway stations, sensitive manufacturing plants, energy production sites and transmission systems, storage and distribution, to information and communication networks or public events. They can be damaged, destroyed or disrupted by deliberate acts of terrorism, natural disasters, negligence, accidents, computer hacking, criminal activity and malicious behaviour.