NS4721 Critical Infrastructure Analysis and Defense

The premise of this course is straightforward: our dependence on critical infrastructures makes us vulnerable to both deliberate and non-deliberate events that can disrupt our physical, economic, and social welfare. This course develops the literacy and competencies necessary to understand potential problems and realistic solutions for critical military and civilian infrastructure in the United States. Students gain experience in the use of "red teaming" analysis for evaluating infrastructure vulnerability through case studies on civilian and DoD/DoN systems, and through a course project.

Cross Listed Courses

Cross-listed with OS4621

Prerequisite

NS3180 or OA4202 or consent of instructor

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

• Break down details of multiple critical infrastructure systems and sectors, identify their overlap and differences.
• Dissect the operations and functions of critical infrastructure systems in the real-world and assess their critical nodes and vulnerabilities.
• Differentiate stakeholder perspectives within critical infrastructure sectors, industries, and organizations.
• Evaluate critical infrastructure vulnerabilities with multiple methods. Analyze tradeoffs among protection activities and make appropriate recommendations for critical infrastructure systems.
• Question assumptions about roles and perspectives. Assess the relevance of different stakeholders and decision-making perspectives to a sector or system.