Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
distributed functions produce and provide hardware, software, and IT systems and
services, and—in collaboration with the Communications Sector—the Internet.
The IT Sector functions are operated by a combination of entities—often owners
and operators and their respective associations—that maintain and reconstitute the
network, including the Internet. The Internet encompasses the global infrastruc-
ture of packet-based networks and databases that use a common set of protocols
to communicate. The networks are connected by various transports, and the avail-
ability of these networks and services is the collective responsibility of the IT and
Communications Sectors. The DHS is the sector-specific agency for the IT Sector.
National Monuments and Icons
The National Monuments and Icons (NM&I) Sector encompasses a diverse array
of assets located throughout the United States and its territories. Although many of
these assets are listed in either the National Register of Historic Places or the List
of National Historic Landmarks, all share three common characteristics: they are
a monument, physical structure, object, or geographic site; they are widely recog-
nized to represent the nation's heritage, traditions, or values, or widely recognized
to represent important national cultural, religious, historical, or political signifi-
cance; and their primary purpose is to memorialize or represent some significant
aspect of the nation's heritage, tradition, or values, and to serve as points of interest
for visitors and educational activities. NM&I Sector assets are all physical struc-
tures, objects, or geographic sites. Included as part of each asset are the operational
staff and visitors that may be impacted by an attack on the asset. There are mini-
mal cyber and telecommunications issues associated with this sector because of the
nature of the assets.
Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste
Nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of the nation's electrical use, pro-
vided by 104 commercial nuclear reactors licensed to operate in the United States.
The Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste (Nuclear) Sector includes: nuclear
power plants; nonpower nuclear reactors used for research, testing, and training;
nuclear materials used in medical, industrial, and academic settings; nuclear fuel
fabrication facilities; decommissioning reactors; and the transportation, storage,
and disposal of nuclear material and waste.
Postal and Shipping
The Postal and Shipping Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy,
employing more than 1.8 million people and earning direct revenues of more than
$213 billion per year. The Postal and Shipping Sector moves more than 720 mil-
lion messages, products, and financial transactions each day. Postal and shipping
