Module: CYS7004-15 Critical National Infrastructure

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: John Curry

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.curry@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

In order for nation states to function in the modern world, they need to protect their critical national infrastructure (CNI) - that is, the systems, services and process needed for a society and economy to function - from disruptive attacks. Ranging from energy development, to the health sector to democratic processes, the details of CNI vary greatly from country to country. There is a growing requirement for enterprises to understand and demonstrate their operational resilience and impact tolerance. As part of this, identifying the touch points between business sectors and CNI is a key determiner in managing risk.

In this module you learn to define the relevant CNI for your country and analyse its potential impact on a chosen business or sector. You explore the unique operational resilience challenges and the emerging industry and government standards for that sector. Protecting CNI is of developing concern that is rising up the national risk registers internationally. An understanding of this topic is therefore a key part of a cyber security professionals knowledge base.

2.Outline syllabus

● Examples of CNI

● Defence in Depth (DiD)

● Interdependencies in service delivery and supply chains

● Providing protection through a ‘faster, smarter, safer’ approach

● Collaboration between stakeholders with focus on secured supply chain, runtime control and better articulation of the cyber threat status.

● State level organisations and policies

● Cooperation (national and international)

● Constant innovation and capacity building

● Anticipating and predicting challenges to CNI

3.Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours:

Lectures and seminars provide insight into the concept of CNI with case study examples.

Independent Study:

Gaining critical understanding of the concepts outlined in this module requires a significant level of independent research and analysis. You should be prepared to commit appropriate time to extending your knowledge outside of the classroom.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Presentation on CNI topic (20 minutes)
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Visualisation of CNI interdependencies
• % Weighting: 50%