Spatial critical infrastructure and the role of the national postal operator in improving the flow of information

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to indicate how national postal operators can secure the flow of information within the critical infrastructure of the state. The article poses the following research hypothesis - the activity of national postal operators will allow securing the flow of information within the critical infrastructure of the state. With reference to the stated objective and the adopted hypothesis, the article poses the following research question - what specific actions should be taken by postal operators to ensure the efficient flow of information within the critical infrastructure? In an attempt to answer the question, the article first addresses the essence of critical infrastructure, then focuses on presenting the threats that arise within critical infrastructure. A key element of the article is the presentation of proposals for measures aimed at the efficient flow of information within critical infrastructures using the potential of the national postal operator.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A critical analysis of the literature and an observational method using argumentation to support generalised theses were used to achieve the aim. In addition, the induction and deduction method, the comparison and generalisation method and the synthesis method were used.

FINDINGS: The analysis carried out allowed the identification of key actions to secure the flow of information within the state's critical infrastructure. The analysis has shown that national postal operators have both the experience and the potential to efficiently secure the flow of information within the state's critical infrastructure.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The problems of securing an efficient flow of information within the critical infrastructure presented in the article demonstrate the necessity to develop security solutions. It is important to prepare such protection solutions, which would not allow the destruction of elements forming the state infrastructure. In addition, it is important to provide solutions which, in the event of a disruption in their functioning, organise substitute functions by another link in order to reduce the losses resulting from an incident.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents the results of own desk research. The issue presented has not previously been addressed in discussions published internationally.