THEORETIC FRAMEWORK AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

In the scope of its focus, this paper has the critical infrastructure protection in a contemporary setting as a threat for the Euro-Atlantic Values. The awareness for the vulnerability of the critical infrastructure systems, which are additionally threatened by cyber-attacks and communication disruptions, is high on the security assessment and planning agenda for the state’s policy creators and corporate enterprises. The methodology applied for this research consists of qualitative and quantitative methods of data interpretation, gathered by a method of open source analysis, observations, document screening and analysis. The first hypothesis depicted by the data analysis reflects the need for further development of the cyber security platform that incorporates several institutions accounted for critical infrastructure protection and the prevention of tasks overlaps and operational vacuum. This hypothesis refers concretely to the case of the Republic of North Macedonia. The limitations of the findings from this research effort are displayed in the form of lack or insufficient legal framework realization of the prescribed institutional capacity and regulation execution in the domain of critical infrastructure systems protection. A conclusion can be drawn that emphasizes the actual imperative for applying and implementing context-specific and best-alternative solutions in the critical infrastructure protection, delivered by joint engagement of the relevant institutions. Key words: security, cyber, critical infrastructure, protection, planning