Critical Information Infrastructures

Information systems have evolved rapidly in the past decades and increasingly take a central role in society. Today, some information systems have become such integral parts of society that their disruption or unintended consequences can have detrimental effects on vital societal functions; that is, they have become critical information infrastructures. This chapter clarifies the concept of ‘critical information infrastructures’ and distinguishes them from conventional critical infrastructures. After introducing foundational concepts and the evolution of information infrastructures, the chapter discusses salient characteristics, important challenges, main functions, and core tasks for operating critical information infrastructures. In spite of their vital role in society, critical information infrastructures often go unnoticed. In this chapter, the reader learns the basics of recognizing, understanding, and operating critical information infrastructures.