Advances in Physical Security Information Management

In modern society, the development of a territory is increasingly tied to the capability to ensure an adequate level of security to persons and infrastructures. Criminal acts, including terrorist attacks, accidents, and adverse natural events can pose a threat to homeland security. In recent years, in all developed countries, there's been an increased awareness about the vulnerability of infrastructures. The welfare, the quality of life, and all the vital functions of a country increasingly depend on the continuous and coordinated operation of several critical infrastructures. Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) has become a crucial and delicate activity, which requires the development of innovative approaches for identification and mitigation of threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. The events of 9-11 brought about a rapid expansion of critical infrastructure protection efforts, in particular to prevent terrorist attacks, minimize the damage, and recover from disruptive events. In all the activities concerning the specific context of homeland security, information technology plays an important role, since it enables new and effective means to mitigate risks, providing early warning of threats, and improving the response to disasters of various severity. As such, IT has an impact also in increasing critical infrastructure's resilience.