Critical Infrastructure Threats

As we enter the latter half of 2024, the impact of global issues on our states, nation, and world is evident, significantly affecting our way of life. Gone are the days when international problems had little effect on our local communities. Today, we feel the repercussions in nearly every aspect, with the supply chain being the most noticeable.

It is more crucial than ever for individuals to be prepared to produce their own food and rely less on the logistical safety net that has been a staple in our

Country/State threats-Sponsored Attacks: FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that Chinese government hackers are actively positioning themselves to disrupt or degrade civilian critical infrastructure in the United States1. These attacks could cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities.

Historical Attacks: Over the past two decades, various state and non-state actors have targeted critical infrastructure systems. For instance:

In 2009, Chinese and Russian hackers infiltrated America’s electrical grid, installing malware for future attacks.

In 2013, Iranian hackers nearly flooded a New York town by infiltrating the control systems of the Bowman Avenue Dam.

In 2022, Russian hackers attacked an international food company, temporarily closing all its U.S. meatpacking plants.

Vulnerabilities: Critical infrastructure systems, including energy, finance, healthcare, transportation, and more, are vulnerable. Even small groups of criminals have disrupted electricity supply, communication networks, and healthcare services.

Supply Chain Challenges

Rising Costs: Skyrocketing inflation impacts consumer demand and complicates supply chain planning. Uncertainty makes it difficult to estimate the types and amounts of goods needed, potentially leading to delays and higher prices2.

Labor Unrest: Workers demanding wage increases due to the cost of living can disrupt supply chains. Strikes by truckers, dock workers, and rail employees have already affected deliveries of goods and construction materials2.

Equipment Availability: Global bottlenecks and shortages affect equipment availability. Manufacturers face delays due to material scarcity (e.g., glass, plastics, metals), impacting production3.

Geopolitical Uncertainty: Tensions between countries can disrupt supply chains. Multi-country disruptions challenge global resilience4.

Extreme Weather: Natural disasters and extreme weather events can disrupt transportation, production, and distribution networks.

In summary, safeguarding critical infrastructure and addressing supply chain challenges require robust protection measures, adaptive planning, and collaboration across sectors. Policymakers, businesses, and communities must work together to enhance resilience and mitigate risks. In the meantime, start planning and preparing for the worst case scenario.