Why the resilience of critical infrastructure needs to be reassessed
When several districts in Berlin suddenly lost power following a targeted attack on the electricity supply, essential functions came to a standstill. Communication networks collapsed, supply systems were strained, and business operations were interrupted. Events like these reveal just how vulnerable critical infrastructure really is.
For companies and public institutions, this represents a significant risk. Production outages, supply chain disruptions, and financial losses can occur within hours. At the same time, regulatory pressure to implement precautionary measures is demonstrably increasing.
Resilience is therefore no longer an abstract concept but a strategic prerequisite for stability and competitiveness.
Personnel integrity: A key to the resilience of critical infrastructure
It is not only facilities but also people who determine the resilience of critical infrastructure and insider risks such as employees or contractors. Employment screening provides an efficient and transparent way to rule out potential risk factors at an early stage. Security departments can thus ensure the protection of corporate assets, maintain compliance, and enhance operational capability in crisis situations.
This is particularly relevant for HR managers who need to onboard new employees or contractors quickly and in compliance with regulations, without slowing down operational processes.
H3: Pre-employment-screening as an internal protection measure
Risk minimisation begins before hiring. With pre-employment screening, companies can select the right candidates from the outset. The process is efficient, transparent, and secure, it is not about mistrust but about deliberately reducing potential risks for organisations operating critical infrastructure.
H3: In-employment-screening against insider risks
Risks can change even during employment. In-employment screening enables organisations to identify potential threats early and strengthen trust within the team. Position changes or new responsibilities require re-verification to minimise insider risks.
The KRITIS Umbrella Act as a response to increasing threats
The new KRITIS Umbrella Act was enacted to help companies better protect their critical infrastructure. It establishes clear obligations and creates a framework that is intended to strengthen the long-term resilience of the economy. This guarantees that companies are prepared and can remain operational in crisis situations.
In addition, it has become evident that, alongside technical measures, organisational measures and personnel integrity are increasingly crucial for resilience. Especially for security, compliance and HR roles.
Overview of the new KRITIS Umbrella Act
The KRITIS Umbrella Act is intended to strengthen operators of networks, power plants, and water supply facilities to enhance supply security for the population. Operators are required to register so that risk analyses can be conducted and resilience plans implemented.
For the first time, the law establishes a clear framework for protecting physical infrastructure and complements existing cybersecurity regulations. It safeguards against threats such as natural disasters, sabotage, and terrorism, and includes measures such as technical safeguards, backup power supply, secure supply chains, and controlled handling of sensitive information.
Resilience as a key economic factor
Companies that make their critical infrastructure resilient ensure their operational capability even in crisis situations. Production outages, supply chain disruptions, or shortages can be significantly reduced. At the same time, resilience strengthens competitiveness and protects revenue, jobs, and market share. The BSI-Kritisverordnung provides the legal framework for this and highlights which measures are particularly relevant.
It also becomes clear that organisational measures, such as structured employment screening, can further enhance resilience: a point that is especially relevant for compliance and security managers.
Holistic protection of critical infrastructure
Today, critical infrastructure requires integrated protection through technology, organisation, and personnel. Only when physical security measures, legal frameworks, and qualified employees work together can supply security be reliably ensured.
Operators should therefore not rely solely on technical safeguards but also combine internal processes, risk analyses, preventive pre- and in-emplyoment screening and third-party access. This creates comprehensive protection that both mitigates crises and ensures long-term operational capability and competitive strength.
Outlook: Insider risks and preventive measures
In upcoming posts, we will examine insider risks and provide practical tips on how companies can effectively control access to critical infrastructure.