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International perspectives on critical infrastructure: Evaluation criteria and definitions

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  • da Silva, Edvan Gomes
  • Georg, Marcus Aurélio Carvalho
  • Júnior, Luiz Antônio Ribeiro
  • Ferreira, Leonardo Rodrigo
  • de Melo, Laerte Peotta
  • Nunes, Rafael Rabelo

Abstract

Contemporary society heavily relies on systems that process, store, and transmit sensitive and confidential information. However, defining what constitutes critical assets and how to categorize them presents challenges. In this context, applying criteria for classifying Critical Infrastructures (CIs) is essential to determine their criticality for information owners. This study aims to identify which criteria are used to classify an asset as part of CIs based on data from various nations. The methodology adopted involved analyzing public documents that evaluated the definitions and assessment criteria of CIs from 12 countries and organizations. The study’s results provide a technical understanding of the criteria used to define Critical Infrastructures CIs among the analyzed countries, highlighting a predominance of criteria related to people, social aspects, economic factors, geographic considerations, and interdependencies. These findings indicate a consistent alignment among the studied nations regarding the criteria that define their respective CIs. These findings have practical implications for risk and asset managers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to apply CI assessment methodologies effectively.

Suggested Citation

  • da Silva, Edvan Gomes & Georg, Marcus Aurélio Carvalho & Júnior, Luiz Antônio Ribeiro & Ferreira, Leonardo Rodrigo & de Melo, Laerte Peotta & Nunes, Rafael Rabelo, 2025. "International perspectives on critical infrastructure: Evaluation criteria and definitions," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijocip:v:49:y:2025:i:c:s1874548225000228
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcip.2025.100761
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Myriam Dunn, 2005. "The socio-political dimensions of critical information infrastructure protection (CIIP)," International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 1(2/3), pages 258-268.
    2. Stergiopoulos, George & Kotzanikolaou, Panayiotis & Theocharidou, Marianthi & Gritzalis, Dimitris, 2015. "Risk mitigation strategies for critical infrastructures based on graph centrality analysis," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 10(C), pages 34-44.
    3. Ouyang, Min, 2014. "Review on modeling and simulation of interdependent critical infrastructure systems," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 43-60.
    4. Gerald Brown & Matthew Carlyle & Javier Salmerón & Kevin Wood, 2006. "Defending Critical Infrastructure," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 36(6), pages 530-544, December.
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