Infrastructure Security Plenary Session
Panelist : Dr. Ruth A. David, President & CEO, Analytic Services Inc.
Topic: “Enhancing Resilience of Critical Infrastructures”

March 29, 14.50 – 15.50

Abstract:
Concerns about the vulnerabilities of the infrastructures that underpin our economy and way-of-life originated long before the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001; significant investments have been made in programs focusing on “critical infrastructure protection”—reducing vulnerabilities—over the past decade. But the reality is that infrastructures are infinitely vulnerable to a determined adversary—or even to natural disasters. A balanced strategy addresses the full range of risk management options, including prevention, protection, and assuring recovery in case of disruption. Such a strategy enhances the resilience of critical infrastructures. But implementation of such an approach is complicated by interdependencies that exist both within and among critical infrastructures. This presentation will describe an approach for dealing with such complexities with the intent of charting a path toward creation of more resilient infrastructures.

Biography:
Dr. Ruth David was appointed President and CEO of Analytic Services Inc. in October 1998. Prior to that she led the science and technology directorate of the Central Intelligence Agency for three years. Before joining the CIA she served in a variety of leadership and staff positions at Sandia National Laboratories, a federally funded research and development center. Dr. David earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.