March 20, 2002

Cyber-Related Critical Infrastructure Identification and Protection Measures 

In recent years, critical infrastructure protection has taken on increasing national importance as attacks and resulting damage to the country's critical cyber interests have increased. In 1998, in response to these threats, the Administration issued a directive to demonstrate the Federal government's commitment to protecting critical assets. More recently, President Bush signaled his support for critical infrastructure protection efforts by issuing Executive Order 13231, Critical Infrastructure Protection in the Information Age. The President's order seeks to strengthen the protection of critical information systems, including emergency preparedness communications, and the physical assets that support those systems.