What is a CII risk assessment?
A critical infrastructure risk assessment is a process for identifying and evaluating the risks to critical infrastructure that could potentially lead to a disruption or failure of essential services. Critical infrastructure includes the systems and assets that are essential to the functioning of a society or economy, such as food and water supply, transportation, communication, financial services, healthcare, and power.
There are many potential risks that could affect critical infrastructure, such as natural disasters, accidents, deliberate attacks, and system failures. A risk assessment helps decision-makers identify which risks are most likely to occur and have the greatest impact, so that they can prioritize mitigation and preparedness efforts.
There are several steps involved in conducting a critical infrastructure risk assessment:
- Identify the critical infrastructure systems and assets.
- Determine the potential risks to those systems and assets.
- Evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of those risks.
- Develop plans to mitigate or respond to the most serious risks.
The results of a critical infrastructure risk assessment can be used to inform emergency planning, security measures, insurance coverage, investment decisions, and other decisions related to the protection of critical infrastructure.
Why conduct one?
There are many reasons why organisations should conduct a critical infrastructure risk assessment. A comprehensive risk assessment can help organisations:
- Identify vulnerabilities in their infrastructure and develop plans to mitigate those vulnerabilities
- Determine the probability and impact of various threats to their infrastructure
- Develop incident response plans in the event of an attack or natural disaster
- Communicate their risks to stakeholders, investors, and insurers
Conducting a critical infrastructure risk assessment can be a complex and daunting task, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and security of an organisation's assets.
How we help
We conduct CII risk assessments that fit your context—not a templated checklist. Our team uses current tools and methods to identify weaknesses and threats, then builds a plan that protects your assets and gets you ready for auditors.
Every organisation is different. We tailor our approach to your goals, constraints, and sector—and we stick around to support you as things evolve.
What you receive
- A detailed risk and threat assessment report documenting identified vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and prioritised risks
- Recommendations for mitigating controls aligned to your asset register and business context
- Guidance on incident response, recovery, and business continuity
- A roadmap to close gaps and prepare for audits or regulatory review
Who it's for
Operators of critical infrastructure—broadcasting, energy, transport, communications, finance, healthcare, and other essential sectors—who need to meet regulatory requirements, protect critical assets, or prepare for audit. We work with organisations from Fortune 500 to mid-market.
How assessments are conducted
In order to protect our nation's critical infrastructure, it is important to understand the risks that could potentially impact it. A critical infrastructure risk assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the vulnerabilities and risks to a particular system or sector.
There are a number of steps that should be taken in order to conduct a thorough and effective risk assessment. First, all potential hazards should be identified. This can be done through a review of past incidents, an analysis of current trends, and consultation with experts in the field.
Once potential hazards have been identified, the next step is to assess the likelihood that they will occur. This can be done through a variety of methods, including probability analysis and scenario planning.
Once the likelihood of occurrence has been determined, the next step is to assess the potential impact of each hazard. This includes determining the consequences of the hazard, as well as the probability that those consequences will occur.
Finally, once all of this information has been gathered and analysed, it is important to develop a plan for mitigating or managing the risks that have been identified. This plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the organisation or sector and should be regularly reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.