How does ASCE define cybersecurity?

As work and the world increasingly moves online, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most important issues facing civil engineers. Recent cyber-attacks on the nation’s critical infrastructure systems demonstrate the need for civil engineers to incorporate plans for protecting these systems and their networks from future bad actors.  

Related ASCE policy statements

Talking points

  1. As the complexity and connectivity of our infrastructure systems increase, the associated cyber and physical security requirements must also increase to ensure safe and reliable operations. Cyber and physical threats are growing global concerns and have severe repercussions, threatening economic activities and competitiveness, as well as the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
  2. ASCE recommends that all public and private infrastructure owners employ a series of actions that will avoid the disruption from cyber incidents and preserve public safety. These actions include deploying systems that can monitor networks, providing funding to modernize networks, and performing continuous evaluation of cyber and physical threats and vulnerabilities.
  3. Recent legislation, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have included funding for cyber security initiatives but going forward ASCE will need to continue to work with policymakers to encourage continued funding for cyber and physical response recovery funds.

ASCE staff contact: Martin Hight - Senior Manager, Government Relations