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Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain
Title: Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain
Date: September 2007
Institution: GAO
Bibliographic Entry: “Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain.” Government Accountability Office. September 2007. Accessed at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071036.pdf (October 22, 2007).
Electronic Link: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071036.pdf
Key Words: SCADA systems, critical infrastructure protection, federal initiatives, private initiative
Summary of Key Issues, Points, Conclusions:
Intentional or unintentional, targeted or non-targeted, threats from a variety of sources have the potential of seriously impacting control systems which perform vital functions in many of the nation’s critical infrastructures – electric power generation, transmission and distribution; oil and gas refining and pipelines; water treatment and distribution; chemical production and processing; railroads and mass transit; and manufacturing. Critical infrastructure owners face both technical and organizational challenges to secure these system and both trade associations/standards setting organizations and federal agencies have multiple initiatives underway to address these challenges. Federal policy establishes DHS as the focal point for the security of cyberspace and other federal agencies as lead points of contact for each key critical infrastructure sector. The principal critique is that DHS has yet to establish an overarching strategy to delineate responsibilities and coordinate the various control systems activities across federal agencies and the private sector. Additionally, the report critiques DHS’s ability to share sensitive control system vulnerability information rapidly and securely.
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: October 24, 2007