Continuity of Operation of Critical Infrastructure for Local Governments
Risk management and business continuity – in the context of strategic essential service providers and critical infrastructure management – are very often discussed one-dimensionally, mainly in relation to cybersecurity and responses to attacks, and additionally as challenges for IT experts rather than for crisis management, organizational culture, crisis communication, and preventive measures for the entire organization.
To discuss the challenges associated with this, the following speakers met during the Local Government Forum in Zakopane: Marta Chalimoniuk-Nowak, Managing Director, Civil and Defence Security R&D Center; Konrad Wróbel, Senior Risk Management Expert in the area of Certification and Security, Central Communication Port; Bronisław Koziołkiewicz, Owner, NEODYNAMIKHP Sp. z o.o. Sp. K.; Gen. Jarosław Gromadziński, President of the Management Board, Academy Defence24; Maciej Materka, Chairman of the Foundation Council, Frontline Foundation; and Jan Pilewski, Director of the Public Affairs Department, Play. The discussion was moderated by Maciej Magiera, Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
The speakers discussed what we should focus on today in the protection of critical infrastructure – above all on connectivity, communication, and combating disinformation as the main hybrid threat.
Gen. Jarosław Gromadziński emphasized that connectivity and securing the state’s informational function are key. “Disinformation is the greatest danger, because the source of information is a human being – if they panic, they will act irrationally. The role of the state is to deliver lawful and truthful information,” he said. As a solution, he proposed introducing one unified crisis communication system at the local government level and using Ukrainian experience: “Starlink + station + power – this is the foundation on which we build local communication. Then the state activates the crisis management system.”
Marta Chalimoniuk-Nowak pointed out cyberthreats that can paralyze hospitals or water supply systems, as well as the destruction of the authority of local government leaders by the media and online hate.
“The authority of a local leader is crucial – if people do not trust them, they won’t follow even truthful messages,” she said. She stressed the need for cooperation: “there are no equals and more equals – everyone has an equal voice,” as well as the importance of preventive education in public administration and diagnosing levels of knowledge “so that we don’t act only after an incident.”
Konrad Wróbel emphasized the need to implement a well-thought-out risk management plan and to prioritize critical infrastructure.
Jan Pilewski pointed to the role of local governments in counteracting disinformation, which can even lead to physical attacks on infrastructure. He proposed close cooperation between local governments and telecommunications operators and the creation of unified procedures in every sector, because “the resilience of the state is being tested” – he concluded.
Maciej Materka warned that disinformation is the perfect field for the activities of foreign services. “People are being recruited to commit acts of sabotage, causing millions in damage, and the attackers face practically no risk. This is classic hybrid warfare – terror and sabotage,” he said. He called for increased awareness of threats, skilled crisis management, and regular testing of responsible personnel.
