Critical Infrastructures

Differentiation between critical infrastructure sectors, sub-sectors and elements

Critical infrastructures can be split into three levels: At the highest degree of selectivity, we can divide critical infrastructures into their respective sectors, e.g. energy, transport or public health. These sectors can afterwards be sub-divided into so called sub-sectors, like power supply, road transport or medical care and hospitals. Within these sub-sectors a final differentiation can be traced, that highlights the single critical infrastructure elements, e.g. a high voltage power line, a transformer station or a dam in the critical sub-sector power supply.

The 10 critical infrastructure sectors

• Energy
• Financial services
• Information- & communication technologies (ICT)
• Industry
• Public administration
• Public health
• Public safety
• Transport
• Water and Food
• Waste disposal

The 28 critical infrastructure sub-sectors

The Basic Strategy for CIP of 2009 identified 31 sub-sectors within ten sectors that are assessed as being of critical national importance. This classification was reviewed and consists now of 28 sub-sectors.

Identification of single critical infrastructure elements

Individual critical infrastructure elements are identified based on a standardized method and uniform assessment. Those that are of national importance are inventoried and documented. The “CIP Inventory” is compiled and regularly updated in cooperation with the responsible authorities of the Federal Administration, the Cantons, and the operators. The inventory mainly serves as a basis for planning and decision making processes at the various levels (Federal Administration, Cantons, and operators). The inventory will replace the former “Catalogue of Civilian Objects Needed To Secure Existential Needs”, which was withdrawn by the Swiss Armed Forces Joint Staff at the end of 2009.