Public Safety Signals

Critical Infrastructure protection and Information Technology

2007 Jul 16 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Greetings and I hope that all is well. Today, Capella University announced that the National Security Agency (NSA) has designated Capella University as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. What this means is that Capella University’s curriculum offers essential courses for protecting the nation’s information technology infrastructure.

The protection of Critical Infrastructure, like contemporary public safety, is continually evolving. Former President Bill Clinton had recognized the need to protect “Critical Infrastructure” as far back as 1998 with the passage of Presidential Directive Decision 63 (PDD 63). At that time, the Clinton Administration foresaw the need to protect the growing Information Technology (IT) enterprise in the United States and potential for attacks. Although the primary focus of PDD 63 was the protection of IT, however, this started the dialogue about vulnerabilities and critical infrastructure that was accelerated after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

At the moment, public safety officials and managers must prioritize resources for the protection of critical infrastructure in that critical infrastructure includes all transportation networks, buildings, landmarks, utilities, telecommunications and agricultural areas. Further complicating this endeavor is the fact that 85% of critical infrastructure in the United States is operated by the private sector. This further compels collaboration within and external to public safety.

As always, stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

July 16, 2007 | Filed under: Capella, Capella University, NSA, National Security Agency, Public Safety Signals, Public safety, online college, online degrees, online university
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