Modelling critical infrastructure network interdependencies and failure

Abstract

Critical infrastructures are fundamental systems that are interconnected with one another, and their interdependencies need to be modelled in order to analyse any vulnerabilities that exist in these infrastructure networks. In this work, a Leontief input-output model of the critical infrastructure systems and two physical critical infrastructure networks are developed. The input-output model serves to evaluate the interdependencies among the various infrastructure systems, while the physical infrastructure network describes the linkages within a single physical infrastructure system. This study examines the overall impact of any failures in the telecommunication infrastructure or electricity grid within the input-output interdependencies model systematically so as to evaluate the worst case scenarios based on the impact caused by one or more points of failure in the physical infrastructure.