Critical Infrastructure Protection: Preliminary Observations on DHS Efforts to Address Electromagnetic Threats to the Electric Grid

Abstract

The threat posed by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or solar weather event could have a debilitating impact on the nations critical electrical infrastructure, as well as other key assets that depend on electricity. These events could lead to power outages over broad geographic areas for extended durations. Addressing these risks requires collaboration among multiple government and industry stakeholders; with DHS in the lead role for overall infrastructure protection efforts, working incoordination with DOE. The EMP Commission, established by statute and comprised of subject matter experts, issued recommendations in 2008 addressing the preparation, protection and recovery of critical infrastructures against a possible EMP attack. The majority of these recommendations were made to DHS and DOE.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 22, 2015
Accession Number
AD1171157

Entities

People

  • Christopher P. Currie

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Communication Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Electrical Grids
  • Electricity
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electromagnetic Pulses
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Emergency Response
  • Geographic Regions
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Management Personnel
  • National Governments
  • Risk
  • Risk Analysis
  • Space Weather
  • United States
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Government and Public Administration Law.