Presidential Policy Directive 21

Definition

Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) is a directive issued by the President of the United States in 2013 that establishes a national policy for critical infrastructure security and resilience. The directive emphasizes the need for collaboration between government and private sector partners to protect and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure systems essential to national security, public health, and safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PPD-21 focuses on enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure against threats such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, and terrorism.
2. The directive promotes a risk management approach that helps identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems.
3. PPD-21 encourages the establishment of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) to facilitate communication between government and private sectors.
4. The directive underscores the importance of engaging local, state, tribal, and territorial governments in infrastructure protection efforts.
5. PPD-21 is part of a broader framework that includes other policies and directives aimed at securing national interests and safeguarding public welfare.

Review Questions

• How does Presidential Policy Directive 21 influence the relationship between government agencies and the private sector in terms of critical infrastructure protection?
  • PPD-21 fosters collaboration between government agencies and the private sector by emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in protecting critical infrastructure. It encourages partnerships that enable information sharing and collective risk management strategies. This collaborative approach allows both sectors to leverage their resources and expertise to enhance the security and resilience of infrastructure systems against various threats.
• Discuss how PPD-21 addresses the need for resilience in critical infrastructure systems in the face of emerging threats.
  • PPD-21 directly addresses resilience by promoting a risk management approach that helps identify vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure systems. The directive encourages entities to develop strategies that not only protect against potential attacks but also enhance their ability to adapt and recover from disruptive events. This forward-thinking perspective is crucial as it prepares systems for an array of emerging threats, ensuring continuity of essential services.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of PPD-21 in improving national security concerning critical infrastructure protection over the past decade.
  • The effectiveness of PPD-21 can be evaluated through its impact on enhancing collaboration between government and private sectors, leading to improved information sharing and risk management practices. However, ongoing challenges such as evolving cyber threats necessitate continuous assessment and adaptation of strategies outlined in the directive. By fostering a culture of resilience, PPD-21 has contributed to better preparedness against incidents affecting critical infrastructure; nonetheless, its long-term success hinges on sustained commitment from all stakeholders involved.

Related terms

Critical Infrastructure: Assets, systems, and networks that are vital to the functioning of a society and economy, including sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare.

Resilience: The ability of critical infrastructure systems to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adverse events or disruptions.

Public-Private Partnership: Collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies aimed at improving service delivery and addressing infrastructure challenges.