Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security’s Post

In today’s “Research Spotlight,” we feature, “Resilience to High Consequence Cascading Failures of Critical Infrastructure Networks" by Arthur Mouco, Benjamin L. Ruddell, and Susan Ginsburg. Critical infrastructure networks such as telecommunications, power, water, natural gas, diesel, transportation and cyber networks are interdependent with one another, forming a vast and dauntingly complex web of institutions and physical systems that must be engineered and secured for reliability. No single utility operator, engineering consultant, emergency management organization, financial institution, or local, regional or other government entity is capable of understanding, monitoring, or managing the whole system. Yet, failures are unavoidable, and when those failures cascade through the network, the result may be high-consequence cascading “catastrophes” or Black Swan events. In one recent and tragic example, the February 13–17, 2021 Winter Storm Uri in Texas initiated a failure in the natural gas production system that cascaded first to the natural gas power generation system and then to the wider ERCOT power system, the water distribution system and the petrochemical industry of Texas. No single system operator was responsible, and yet the consequences – including fatalities, recovery challenges, regulatory attention and extreme costs – are everyone’s problem. As networked interdependencies grow, the likelihood of cascading failures has increased accordingly, necessitating technical solutions tailored to this problem. This report introduces the basic principles of interdependent critical infrastructure networks and reviews approaches for analyzing and mitigating the vulnerability of the network to make it resilient. Resilience and reliability in critical infrastructures are complementary and orthogonal. In resilient networks, the inevitable failures due to “all hazards” stay small and don’t become catastrophes. Mouco, A. & Ruddell, B. L., Ginsburg, S. (2023) Resilience to High Consequence Cascading Failures of Critical Infrastructure Networks. (Report No. IHS/CR-2023-1015). The Sam Houston State University Institute for Homeland Security. Click here to read the paper in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gQUHjmeM "IHS Research Spotlight" is a technical paper series hosted by the SHSU Institute for Homeland Security on our website, ihsonline.org. The non-partisan series features papers with various viewpoints & examines critical & timely issues facing homeland security. Click the link to visit the SHSU IHS research page. https://lnkd.in/g_WqHuq2 #shsuIHS #IHSResearchSpotlight

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a critical gap in traditional vulnerability assessments: the failure to fully account for cascading impacts within interconnected systems. The Sam Houston State University - Institute For Homeland Security report effectively sheds light on this often-overlooked concept, bringing attention to its relevance in today’s complex operational landscape. The example of a winter storm hitting the #EnergySector really brings the point home. At GardaWorld we have embraced the philosophy of #ControllingTheControllable to strengthen our resilience and safeguard operations as starting point. By proactively addressing elements within our control, we mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of far-reaching disruptions.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Starts with Knowing Where It Is   A new British initiative aims to help. The Geospatial Commission, part of the UK Department for Science, has launched a National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) which aims to map all underground pipelines, data cables, and signal wires across the country. Having just passed the BATA phase, the project is on track to have the entirety of the UK mapped by the end of 2025.   Asset strikes—where underground infrastructure is accidentally damaged—occur around 60,000 times annually worldwide, resulting in damages of EUR 2.8 billion. These incidents often happen because underground infrastructure is not accurately plotted on maps. More importantly, the EU has seen a sharp rise in malicious strikes in recent months. Deutsche Bahn, for example, has been the target of multiple attacks on its cable infrastructure. Recently, even the start of the Paris Olympics was threatened when saboteurs cut fiber-optic cables across France and caused a temporary internet blackout. Not to mention ongoing attacks on submarine cables and pipelines.   NUAR presents a crucial step forward in reducing both accidental damage and deliberate sabotage. With comprehensive mapping, planning of new infrastructure can be improved, and asset clusters—often targeted in attacks—can be strategically avoided or, where inevitable, better protected.   The British initiative should serve as a role model for Germany and other European allies to implement similar registers. Besides saving a fortune, it would signal raised awareness along with proactive policy implementation. #criticalinfrastructure #sabotage #datacables

The Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (GEOINT) assumes a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being and security of Americans through the provision of timely and accurate geospatial intelligence. By harnessing advanced geospatial technologies and expertise, GEOINT empowers decision-makers with the ability to analyze and interpret complex geospatial data, leading to informed decisions and strategic planning. GEOINT's contributions extend across various domains, including national security, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and economic development.Through the integration of geospatial intelligence, GEOINT enhances situational awareness, improves crisis response time, and fosters sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting the lives of Americans and contributing to the nation's overall prosperity and security. Geospatial intelligence plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security by providing insights into potential threats, monitoring international borders, and supporting military operations. During natural disasters, GEOINT enables rapid response and effective coordination of relief efforts by providing real-time data on affected areas and infrastructure damage. #GEOINT In the realm of environmental monitoring, GEOINT contributes to the preservation and protection of natural resources. By analyzing geospatial data, GEOINT can identify areas of environmental concern, monitor changes in land use, and assess the impact of human activities on the environment. Furthermore, GEOINT supports economic development by providing valuable information for infrastructure planning, land use management, and sustainable resource utilization.Through its commitment to excellence in geospatial intelligence, GEOINT empowers decision-makers with the knowledge and tools necessary to address complex challenges and make informed decisions that safeguard the well-being and security of Americans. GEOINT's contributions are essential for ensuring the nation's preparedness, resilience, and prosperity in an ever-changing global landscape.

Rethinking Challenges: How DAS Systems Can Address Underground Threats Sometimes, news stories make us pause and consider how advanced technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) could have made a difference. Take, for example, the recent case of a criminal group building a tunnel to smuggle oil into Uzbekistan (https://lnkd.in/e9mhBCpf). This case reminds us of the ingenuity of threats and the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Could such risks have been detected earlier? We don’t have all the details, but it’s worth reflecting on how technologies like DAS could play a role in similar scenarios. DAS systems have been recognized as a key solution for detecting underground activity. A recent U.S. project demonstrates how this technology monitors and detects activities such as tunneling. These systems continuously listen for acoustic patterns that indicate anomalies, providing real-time alerts to security teams. Moreover, discussions in the META region highlight the growing risks of underground operations and emphasize the need for proactive detection tools. DAS systems excel at identifying underground activities like tunneling or drilling, offering unparalleled sensitivity and coverage over large areas. While every scenario is unique, DAS technology provides a versatile approach to addressing underground threats. Whether securing borders or protecting critical infrastructure, DAS systems represent a best practice for modern security challenges. What are your thoughts on integrating this technology into more use cases? Let’s explore the possibilities. #DASsystems #InfrastructureSecurity #Innovation #CriticalInfrastructure #SecuritySolutions #TechnologyForSafety

Simplicity is key! VETRO CEO Will Mitchell explains the difference between a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a Fiber Management System (FMS). A dedicated #FMS is like having a specialized tool for a specific job. It's faster, more efficient, and delivers better results. Learn why a GIS simply isn't enough for your fiber network. #fibermanagement #GIS #FMS #telecom #networkmanagement https://hubs.la/Q02-WH2R0

Simplicity is key! VETRO CEO Will Mitchell explains the difference between a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a Fiber Management System (FMS). A dedicated #FMS is like having a specialized tool for a specific job. It's faster, more efficient, and delivers better results. Learn why a GIS simply isn't enough for your fiber network. #fibermanagement #GIS #FMS #telecom #networkmanagement https://hubs.la/Q02LM_X60

As one of the fastest evolving sectors, the utility industry is constantly looking for new ways to improve and upgrade its infrastructure. As this sector invests in new capabilities and resources, Cyient’s focus is on delivering Intelligent Engineering solutions that are not only safe and resilient but also sustainable and flexible to meet evolving customer demands. Read about the case study where we assisted a U.S. utility provider in transmitting, distributing, and supplying water, natural gas, and electricity to 800,000 residents across the U.S. and Canada through successful enterprise GIS implementation. Read here: https://bit.ly/4fESrdc To learn more about how Cyient can assist you in managing today’s complex utility networks, visit us at the Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference (IMGIS) at Booth No. 502, from October 22–24, at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California. Herman Kleynhans, John Lindley, Jai Jayaraman, Mary Jo Nye, Rathinder Bhat, Osman Randhawa #UtilityIndustry #EngineeringSolutions #SustainableInfrastructure #EnterpriseGIS #SmartEngineering #UtilityNetworks #IMGIS2024 #ESRIPartner #InfrastructureManagement #GISConference #EsriIMGIS #IntelligentEngineering #DesigningTomorrowTogether #Cyient

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The Geospatial Commission has appointed the UK’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, as the future operator of the National Underground Asset Register. ✨ NUAR is improving the efficiency and safety of the way they install, maintain, operate and repair their buried infrastructure by providing secure access to data about the water, gas, electricity and telecommunications pipes and cables. Read the full article ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eggdS-xp #GEOSpacial