National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets

The National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets provides a statement of national policy to remain committed to protecting critical infrastructures and key assets from terrorist attacks. Although the strategy does not explicitly mention PDD 63, it builds on the directive with its sector-based approach that includes the 13 sectors defined in the National Strategy for Homeland Security, identifies federal departments and agencies as sector liaisons, and calls for expanding the capabilities of ISACs.

The strategy is based on eight guiding principles, including establishing responsibility and accountability, encouraging and facilitating partnering among all levels of government and between government and industry, and encouraging market solutions wherever possible and government intervention when needed.

The strategy also establishes three strategic objectives. The first is to identify and assure the protection of the most critical assets, systems, and functions, in terms of national-level public health and safety, governance, and economic and national security and public confidence. This would include establishing a uniform methodology for determining national-level criticality.

The second strategic objective is to assure the protection of infrastructures and assets facing specific, imminent threats; and the third is to pursue collaborative measures and initiatives to assure the protection of other potential targets that may become attractive over time.

Under this strategy, DHS will provide overall cross-sector coordination and serve as the primary liaison and facilitator for cooperation among federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. The strategy states that the private sector generally remains the first line of defense for its own facilities and should reassess and adjust their planning, assurance, and investment programs to better accommodate the increased risk presented by deliberate acts of violence.

In addition, the Office of Homeland Security will continue to act as the President’s principal policy adviser staff and coordinating body for major interagency policy issues related to homeland security.