Critical Infrastructure Sectors

Critical infrastructure sectors are those whose assets, systems, and networks are deemed crucial to society.  Their failure or compromise would severely impact security, the economy, public health, safety, or any combination of these vital areas.

Securing critical infrastructure is crucial for safeguarding systems and services vital to society and the economy, such as electricity and water supply networks, transportation systems, and communication grids.

There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors that are part of a complex, interconnected ecosystem.

Image courtesy of the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).  No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

1.  Chemical Sector:
Includes the manufacturing, storing, and transporting of chemical substances.

2.  Commercial Facilities Sector:
Encompasses sites that draw large crowds for shopping, business, entertainment, or lodging.

3.  Communications Sector:
Covers the infrastructure for telecommunications, broadcasting, cable, and internet services.

4.  Critical Manufacturing Sector:
Involves the production of essential materials and goods like metals, machinery, and vehicles.

5.  Dams Sector:
Comprises dam projects, navigation locks, levees, hurricane barriers, mine tailings, and other water retention and control systems.

6.  Defense Industrial Base Sector:
Encompasses the production of weapons, aircraft, and ships for national defense. 

7.  Emergency Services Sector:
Includes law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical, emergency management, and public works.

8.  Energy Sector:
Covers the production and distribution of electricity, oil, and natural gas.

9.  Financial Services Sector:
Involves banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.

10. Food and Agriculture Sector:
Encompasses all aspects of food production and distribution, from farms to restaurants.

11. Government Facilities Sector:
Includes federal, state, and local government buildings, courthouses, and special-use military installations.

12. Healthcare and Public Health Sector:
Covers hospitals, clinics, labs, drug manufacturing, and health services.

13. Information Technology Sector:
Involves hardware, software, and IT services essential for modern computing.

14. Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector:
Includes nuclear power plants and the management of nuclear materials and waste.

15. Transportation Systems Sector:
Covers all forms of transportation, including aviation, maritime, public transit, rail, pipelines, highways, and motor carriers.

16. Water and Wastewater Systems Sector:Involves drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.