Inter-dependency and critical infrastructures

BACKGROUND: At the latest CISA staff meeting, Director Krebs raised the concept of “interdependency” as it relates to critical infrastructure. His interest was piqued when he read written testimony from Assistant Secretary Bruce Walker, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources dated March 1, 2018. Specifically, in Assistant Secretary Walker’s closing remarks, he said “I would like to highlight that the risk of physical and cyber threats is continuously being exacerbated by a set of circumstances that are increasing the interdependence of the various energy systems throughout the Nation.” I’ve attached a copy of Assistant Secretary Walker’s testimony (Appendix). As a result, Mr. Krebs has asked each CISA Assistant Director to provide a point paper that discusses the concept of “interdependence” as it relates to critical infrastructure. This request is basically to provide Mr. Krebs with background information relating to the concept of “interdependency” so he’s better informed and positioned to support his Directorates, as needed. I’d like our Team to discuss this topic; I’ll use your discussion inputs and comments to develop a point paper back to Mr. Krebs’ staff for action closure. PoD Tasker #3-1: Discuss the concept of “interdependence” as it relates to the area of critical infrastructure. What’s meant when we use the term “interdependence” in conjunction with critical infrastructure? Is interdependence viewed as a good thing? Bad thing? If there are any problems associated with interdependence in terms of critical infrastructure, what are some potential — and realistic — steps or options (if any) that those of us working within the field of critical infrastructure can take in order to resolve or, at least minimize, the negative aspects that might come with higher and higher levels of interdependence as it applies to critical infrastructure systems and assets? Etc.