Analysis and modelling of critical infrastructure systems

The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of critical infrastructure systems, including the information systems and communication networks that support their existence and functionality, poses questions and challenges. Particularly, in terms of modelling and analysis of the security, survivability and ultimately reliability and continued availability of critical infrastructure systems and the services they deliver to modern society. The focus of this research enquiry is with regard to critiquing and modelling critical infrastructure systems. There are numerous systems analyse and modelling approaches that outline any number of differing methodological approaches, each with their own characteristics, expertise, strengths and weaknesses. The intention of this research is to investigate the merit of applying a ‘softer’ approach to critical infrastructure system security analysis and modelling that broadly views the systems in holistic terms, including their relationships with other systems. The intention is not to discuss or criticise existing research applying quantitative approaches, but to discuss a ‘softer’ system analysis and modelling approach in a security context that is adaptable to analysis modelling of critical infrastructure systems.