Critical Infrastructures

Critical Infrastructures, known in Germany as Kritische Infrastrukturen (KRITIS), refer to the facilities, systems, and services that are essential for maintaining public safety, economic stability, and societal well-being. These include sectors such as energy, water, information technology, finance, transportation, and health systems — each classified as a facility of major importance. The framework for defining and protecting these assets is codified under the Critical Infrastructure Law in Germany, primarily through the BSI-Act (Federal Office for Information Security Act) and supporting KRITIS regulations. These laws establish criteria for defining critical services and thresholds that determine which organizations qualify as KRITIS operators, mandating them to implement stringent cybersecurity and risk management measures.

The emergence of these laws was driven by the growing realization that disruptions to critical infrastructure could have a profound impact on national security, public health, and economic continuity. With the increasing digitization of infrastructure management systems, vulnerabilities in one sector can quickly propagate to others. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) collaborate to ensure that all KRITIS operators meet minimum technical and organizational standards to safeguard their systems. This collaboration represents a broader European commitment to enhancing resilience across critical infrastructure sectors, striking a balance between efficiency and strong defense against cyber and physical threats.

Healthcare represents one of the most sensitive components within the KRITIS framework. Hospitals and health systems are considered facilities of major importance due to their reliance on networked devices, electronic patient data, and continuous operational availability. Under the BSI-Act, healthcare organizations must not only protect against data breaches but also ensure continuity of care in the event of system failures or cyberattacks. KRITIS regulations require these operators to implement risk management, reporting, and incident response procedures that align with national cybersecurity standards. This ensures that medical data, patient monitoring systems, and administrative technologies remain secure and functional even under adverse conditions. 

Modern security technology, particularly in healthcare, intersects directly with KRITIS objectives. The need for clinicians to access critical data safely and securely is paramount, as is maintaining operational efficiency and compliance. Imprivata supports these goals by providing trusted digital identity and access management solutions that meet KRITIS and BSI-Act standards. Through platforms such as Imprivata Enterprise Access Management, healthcare organizations can strengthen authentication, streamline clinician workflows, and ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems. This integration of identity security into healthcare IT infrastructure enhances resilience, supports compliance with Kritische Infrastrukturen mandates, and ultimately safeguards both patient care and public trust in vital services.