Intro
Security research related to infrastructure protection has been traditionally following a sectorial approach. With more and more infrastructure systems being interconnected, a stronger focus on the systemic dimension and complexity of attacks and disruptions by cyber or physical means needs to be applied.
Scope
Some essential sectors of the economy need uninterrupted access to the high-quality position and timing information provided for free by satellite navigation systems. Despite the fact that satellite navigation systems such as Galileo are made ever more robust towards risks and disruptions both in terms of ground segments as well as space assets, there remain residual vulnerabilities that cannot not be coped with when facing the emergence of new challenges. These critical sectors should therefore develop complementary positioning and/or timing solutions that are able to sustain a sudden disruption of GNSS service.
Objectives
– Improved large-scale vulnerability assessments of EU Member States’ (MS) or Associated Countries’ (AC) key infrastructures
– Improved cooperation to counter Hybrid Threats and subsequent large-scale disruptions of infrastructures in Europe
– Improved concepts and instruments for the anticipation of systemic risks to European infrastructure, allowing for comprehensive long-term risk assessments, with regards to climate change, technological trends, foreign direct investment (FDI) and dependence on critical supplies from non-EU countries
– Improved risk, vulnerability and complexity related assessments for interconnected physical-digital European infrastructures
– Terrestrial back-up/alternative PNT solutions to ensure continuous operation of Critical Infrastructure in case of the disruption of GNSS services or other essential services
– Enabling the decentralisation of large infrastructure to mitigate vulnerability in case of largescale disruptions
– Enhanced preparedness and response by definition of operational procedures of both private and public infrastructure operators as well as public authorities considering citizens involvement
