Critical Infrastructure
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 393
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Critical infrastructure consists of the systems, assets, and networks that are essential to the functioning of society and the economy. These include sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, water, healthcare, finance, and emergency services. The continuous operation of these infrastructures is vital for public safety, economic stability, and national security.
As technology advances, critical infrastructure has become increasingly interconnected and dependent on digital systems. While this connectivity improves efficiency and service delivery, it also introduces new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, system failures, and other disruptions. Natural disasters, human error, and malicious activities can significantly impact infrastructure operations, leading to widespread social and economic consequences.
Protecting critical infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that combines physical security, cybersecurity, risk management, and resilience planning. Collaboration among governments, private organizations, and stakeholders is essential to ensure these systems can withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions. Safeguarding critical infrastructure remains a key priority for maintaining modern society’s stability and prosperity.
David Hughes McElreath is a professor and former chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Mississippi. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, his academic degrees include a PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi, Master degrees from the University of Mississippi and the United States Army War College. Previously he served on the faculty of Washburn University, Southeast Missouri State University, the United States Marine Corps University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Itawamba Community (Mississippi) College. He is the author or co-author of fourteen textbooks in the field of criminal justice, intelligence, emergency management and homeland security and numerous professional papers. He lives outside Oxford, Mississippi and is married to the former Leisa Stuart McElreath of Hazlehurst and Jackson, Mississippi.
Dr. Daniel Adrian Doss is the Director of the Ph.D. Program in Technology Management at National University (San Diego, CA). He possesses a Ph.D from Jackson State University and a Ph.D. from the University of South Africa. His research involved a variety of studies in multiple disciplines, ranging from criminal justice to economics. He is published in notable journals, including The Prison Journal and Journal of Education for Business. He co-authored several textbooks, including Introduction to Homeland Security (Taylor & Francis CRC Press). He also serves as a Colonel in the Mississippi State Guard, Mississippi Military Department.
Critical infrastructure consists of the systems, assets, and networks that are essential to the functioning of society and the economy. These include sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, water, healthcare, finance, and emergency services. The continuous operation of these infrastructures is vital for public safety, economic stability, and national security.
As technology advances, critical infrastructure has become increasingly interconnected and dependent on digital systems. While this connectivity improves efficiency and service delivery, it also introduces new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, system failures, and other disruptions. Natural disasters, human error, and malicious activities can significantly impact infrastructure operations, leading to widespread social and economic consequences.
Protecting critical infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that combines physical security, cybersecurity, risk management, and resilience planning. Collaboration among governments, private organizations, and stakeholders is essential to ensure these systems can withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions. Safeguarding critical infrastructure remains a key priority for maintaining modern society’s stability and prosperity.
David Hughes McElreath is a professor and former chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Mississippi. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, his academic degrees include a PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi, Master degrees from the University of Mississippi and the United States Army War College. Previously he served on the faculty of Washburn University, Southeast Missouri State University, the United States Marine Corps University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Itawamba Community (Mississippi) College. He is the author or co-author of fourteen textbooks in the field of criminal justice, intelligence, emergency management and homeland security and numerous professional papers. He lives outside Oxford, Mississippi and is married to the former Leisa Stuart McElreath of Hazlehurst and Jackson, Mississippi.
Dr. Daniel Adrian Doss is the Director of the Ph.D. Program in Technology Management at National University (San Diego, CA). He possesses a Ph.D from Jackson State University and a Ph.D. from the University of South Africa. His research involved a variety of studies in multiple disciplines, ranging from criminal justice to economics. He is published in notable journals, including The Prison Journal and Journal of Education for Business. He co-authored several textbooks, including Introduction to Homeland Security (Taylor & Francis CRC Press). He also serves as a Colonel in the Mississippi State Guard, Mississippi Military Department.