Answer to Question 1
Critical infrastructure is the systems and assets so vital to the United States that the incapacity or destruction of these systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic security, national public health, or any combination of these matters. As individuals, we rarely think of the importance of critical infrastructure in our country. However, almost every aspect of life in the United States is dependent upon a critical infrastructure sector. From the clean air, water, and food that sustains life to the variety of physical and virtual systems that allows us to share our lives with one another to the jobs and recreation we enjoy, the amenities of daily life in the United States is dependent upon a well-functioning, coordinated, and efficient infrastructure. The loss or disruption of all or part of one of these critical infrastructure sectors would have a devastating impact on this country. The simple fact of the matter is that as our society becomes more advanced and complex, the more we rely on critical infrastructure to support our lifestyle and existence. Answers regarding the eight examples will vary, but should be unique and not taken from the textbook. They should also be valid and show a direct link to the specific critical infrastructure.
Answer to Question 2
Taxonomies