A framework for analyzing vulnerability of critical infrastructures under localized attacks

Abstract

Critical infrastructures (CIs) are usually spatially embedded, which makes them more susceptible to localized attacks where a set of components located within a localized area are damaged. This paper presents a framework for analyzing vulnerability of CIs under localized attack. Both functional and geographic interdependencies among CIs are considered. Multi-layer networks are employed to establish the functional interdependency. A novel attack failure model, i.e., localized failure model, is proposed to model geographic interdependency and quantify the failure probabilities of components under localized attack. Vulnerability of CIs is investigated from three perspectives, including analyzing the system-level vulnerability, identifying the critical infrastructure components and geographical locations. Our framework can help stakeholders increase their knowledge of vulnerability of CIs under localized attack and protect them more efficiently.