An Information Flow Modelling Approach for Critical Infrastructure Simulation

Building a realistic environment for simulating cascading effects in critical infrastructures depends heavily on information received from experts, as well as on an accurate representation of processes and assets related to critical infrastructures. The approach introduced in this paper provides the conceptualization and implementation of an information flow model as a foundation for the subsequent development of a multi-layered risk model. The designed models represent both a process view, with the focus on procedures carried out by critical infrastructures, and a more technical object view, by defining objects and parameters representing assets and interactions. Starting with an analysis of relevant threats and affected infrastructures, use case scenarios are prepared in textual form and subsequently evaluated together with critical infrastructure representatives in end-user workshops. Based on the respective use case, a process view is established in form of an activity diagram including information flows, displaying processes of critical infrastructures during a threat. The activity diagram supports the evaluation and collection of information during subsequent end-user workshops with the aim to review and substantiate the model. The object diagram provides technical aspects of the use cases, for supporting the realization of a simulation and a corresponding risk model. The approach was developed in the context of a national research project for analyzing cascading effects in and between critical supply networks. The resulting diagrams demonstrate how cascading effects can be modelled in a structured form to support discussions with and between experts of critical infrastructures and emergency services, and how such models can serve as a foundation for subsequent simulation.