When smart systems fail: The ethics of cyber-physical critical infrastructure risk

Abstract

Critical infrastructure (CI) remains an important part of daily life in support of providing basic goods and services. Cyber-physical connections between CI systems and sectors continue to increase with the development and integration of new technology. We study the emerging threat landscape and ethical implications of cyber-physical connections within CI. Using both a comprehensive literature review and a coupled epistemic-ethical analysis, we provide evidence that new approaches in science, technology, and policy are necessary. We propose future research directions and emphasize the need for value transparency throughout the science policy landscape.