What is the critical national infrastructure?

The Government places a high value on ensuring that the UK is well protected against attacks by terrorists or other national security threats.

The national infrastructure is the underlying framework of facilities, systems, sites and networks necessary for the functioning of the country and the delivery of the essential services which we rely on in every aspect of our daily life. Examples of essential services include the supply of water, energy and food. Failure of this infrastructure and loss of the services it delivers could include severe economic or social damage and/or large scale loss of life.

There are nine sectors which deliver essential services: energy, food, water, transport, telecommunications, government & public services, emergency services, health and finance. Within these sectors there are key elements that comprise the critical national infrastructure. These are the components or assets without which the essential services cannot be delivered. These components may be physical or electronic.

CPNI works with the operators of essential services and with lead government departments to identify critical national infrastructure within the nine sectors, and to help protect it against national security threats. Sufficient protection should be in place at all times.

Risk management

Putting systems and measures in place to safeguard the CNI will substantially reduce the risk of serious damage to the UK. However there is no guarantee that every eventuality can be prevented or managed without any disruption, damage or loss of life. Some risks will remain. Assessing priorities carefully and with regard to the most likely and most harmful possibilities will offer the best value for the nation.