DECODING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: NATIONAL CASE

Abstract

Various incidents, of an anthropogenic or natural nature, have affected public and private structures, whether material or intangible, wreaking havoc on the good functional performance of fundamental services re- quired by a country, society or group. In this area, numerous state ad- ministrations, international and multilateral organizations have made progress in identifying those services and administrative structures whose alteration or rupture could see their main mission undermined. This environment is conceived as critical infrastructure. Thus, it is pos- sible to observe that despite all the advances to provide an adequate conceptualization, as well as establish levels of responsibility in its pro- tection, it is also possible to show that, in the national case, the regu- lations have not matured adequately. Therefore, a prompt definition containing a clear description as well as a strategy to protect national critical infrastructure is essential.