Protecting critical infrastructure
Securing Europe for tomorrow
At the heart of our modern society lie critical infrastructures – vital systems, services, and assets that ensure our well-being and the functioning of our daily lives. These include energy, transportation, telecommunications, water supply, healthcare, finance, and government operations. Protecting these infrastructures is crucial.
Critical infrastructures are often interconnected and interdependent. A disruption in one sector can cascade into others, creating a domino effect. For example, a cyberattack on a power grid can disrupt not only the energy supply but also impact transportation, communication networks, and other dependent systems. The interconnection between these systems makes the potential impact even greater, highlighting the importance of thorough protection.
Threats against critical infrastructures can arise from organised crime, terrorists, or hostile states, aiming to disrupt services, steal sensitive information, or cause physical damage. To counter such evolving threats, state-of-the-art tools and technologies are needed. This is where the European defence and security industry excels.
Our industry, representing over 4,000 companies across 18 countries, has the expertise to develop, produce, and maintain cutting-edge solutions. It invests in technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, which are vital for identifying and countering emerging threats. It also collaborates closely with government, private companies, and research institutions to share information and expertise. And, it provides training programmes to enhance the security skills of professionals involved in critical infrastructure operations. Our industry also works to develop common frameworks for risk assessment, incident reporting, and information sharing.
Solutions for critical infrastructure protection can come from non-European companies, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity. However, this can entail serious risks. In many cases, non-European solutions come with restrictions on buyers’ access to and control over core elements of the purchased product, which limits the end-user’s ability to fully understand the solutions and to guarantee their integrity and security. This, in turn, can create political, economic, and technological vulnerabilities. Procuring critical infrastructure protection solutions from European defence and security industry avoids these risks and contributes to Europe’s technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
The European Security Industry
Learn more
- Member focusSmart and global solutions for the security of critical areasAs far as security is concerned, some areas require special attention because of their strategic importance and the threats they attract.
- Member solutionsCritical National Infrastructure ProtectionHENSOLDT's flexibility allows the selection and configuration of just the right combination of electro-optical, radar and electronic warfare equipment to deliver optimized solutions.
- Member showcaseCritical infrastructure protectionIndra develops the most advanced technology for the integral, centralized and real-time management of the security of all types of infrastructures.
ASD Contact
Burkard Schmitt
- Defence & Security Director
- +32 2 775 8130