Mapping the World's Critical Infrastructure Sectors

Abstract

This paper examines the policy documents of 193 United Nations member states and Taiwan. It analyzes what countries perceive as critical infrastructure (CI). While it may at first appear clear what CI sectors are, e.g., energy, education, water, and food, this view varies by member state. By mapping what countries designate as their critical infrastructure sectors, we hope to propel UN cyber discussions, which have so far been slow to result in agreement on a global common denominator for critical infrastructure sectors. Key Findings: 100 of 194 countries have published what they perceive as CI sectors. The CI sectors that countries most frequently mention are ­energy (96%), information and communications technology (ICT) (95%), transport (93%), economy and finance (89%), public services (84%), and health (83%). By far the least-mentioned categories worldwide are research and ­education (15%), national security (45%), food (51%), and water (76%). If it were only a numbers game, the most common CI could be ­included in a global definition. A more inclusive approach would name all the above sectors as CI at the UN. Many countries need further support in defining CI (see Appendix C). While almost all countries in Europe and North America define CI sectors, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania are far behind.