The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified critical infrastructure assets that could be targets of terrorism. Local authorities are primarily responsible for protecting these assets, but the DHS is responsible for developing protection plans and strategies. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan was created by the DHS to explain how to protect critical infrastructure, most of which is privately owned. Private sector organizations must play a major role in critical infrastructure protection.

1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified what
is determined to be critical infrastructure assets that are
designated as potentially being of terrorist interest.
Although the final responsibility and mission for protecting
those assets and sectors of each remains with the DHS, the
initial accountability rests with local ownership and authorities.
The DHS has formulated a National Infrastructure Protection
Plan to explain and describe the national responsibility. A very
significant majority of the infrastructure elements are under
private or corporate ownership and maintenance and must share
the bulk of responsibility for protection and security under their
own mission plans for security.
Assignment Guidelines
Address the following in 3–4 pages:
What is the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)?
When was it created?
Who created it?
Why was it created? Explain.
How important is the private sector with regard to critical
infrastructure protection? Why?
What types of strategies can be used for critical infrastructure
protection (CIP)?
What strengths currently exist in the United States with regard
to CIP? Explain.
What weaknesses still need to be addressed? Why?
How can federal agencies effectively cooperate with private
sector organizations? Explain.
What types of information should be disseminated to private
sector organizations that are responsible for key assets?
Explain.
What types of information, if any, should be withheld from the
private sector? Why?