Information Technology Sector
The Information Technology Sector provides the hardware, software, systems, networks, platforms, and services that enable the modern digital economy and support essential government, business, and societal functions. Information technology is deeply integrated into nearly every other critical infrastructure sector and is essential to communications, financial transactions, healthcare, transportation, energy, public safety, and countless other activities.
Overview
Unlike sectors defined primarily by physical facilities, the Information Technology Sector is largely functions-based and includes both physical assets and virtual systems. Its organizations research, develop, manufacture, distribute, maintain, and operate hardware, software, information systems, digital services, and other technologies used throughout the public and private sectors.
The sector is highly interconnected and includes organizations ranging from small technology businesses to large multinational companies. It also works closely with the Communications Sector to support the Internet and the digital services upon which individuals, businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure owners and operators increasingly depend.
Protecting the Information Technology Sector requires cybersecurity, software and hardware supply-chain security, vulnerability management, incident response, physical security, business continuity, and the ability to rapidly restore essential systems and services. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security serves as the Sector Risk Management Agency for the Information Technology Sector and works with public and private partners to strengthen its security and resilience.
