Portfolio Project (HLS375)-1

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Option#2: Electromagnetic Pulse Attack (EMP) Scenario Briefing Module 8: Portfolio Project Alfred Lewis Pemberton III Colorado State University - Global Campus (HLS375-1) Risk Analysis and Mitigation Dr. Njoku March 10, 2024

What is an EMP attack? An intentional emission of a solid electromagnetic radiation wave, usually from a non- nuclear weapon or a high-altitude nuclear explosion, is the form of an EMP attack known as an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) assault. The range of this pulse destroys and corrupts electronic systems, consequently leading to loss of connection, mayhem in the power grid, and the overall uselessness of electronic equipment. Three categories—EMPs, E1, E2, and E3—distinguish EMP types (hamid et al., 2022). As a result, the E1 impulse directly affects electronic components and has a rapid and potent energy release. Similar to lightning, an E2 pulse delivers a damaging blow to wires and electronics. Transformers and other electric appliances may be vulnerable to damage from the persistent current of the E3 pulse. As they can disintegrate whole societies by cutting down all existing means of communication and vital infrastructure networks, electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) rank as significant threats to modern civilizations. What are the sources of EMP attacks (natural and man-made)? Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats harm electronic devices, as natural and artificial causes can be the origin. Solar flares and CME are the two natural causes of EMP. The resulting electromagnetic activity can grow tremendously upon the strikes of these high-speed solar particles against Earth's magnetic shield (Kim, 2022). EMP can affect the power grid, satellite lines, and other electronic facilities, which can result in data loss, equipment destruction, and general system disruption. On the artificial side, high-altitude nuclear detonations may occur in cases of active EMP use, which is a type of electronic warfare. Here, a gamma-ray burst following a nuclear explosion ionizes the Earth's atmosphere, which is what causes the change in the magnetic field.

Such a massive magnetic or electromagnetic field can damage or destroy electronics by inducing electrical currents in conductive objects on the ground((Zhang et al., 2024). This way, they can cause significant disruptions to the functioning of electric power systems, communication networks, and electronic appliances. One of the non-nuclear sources is called an EMP weapon, sometimes known as a radiofrequency weapon or high-power microwave (HPM) device. These items generate intense radiofrequency pulse bursts, which might destroy or interfere with their electronic systems. They may be targeted to turn off enemy radars, communications systems, command posts, and other vital facilities, which would be dangerous for people's lives. How serious is the EMP threat to the United States? The United States faces a complicated and possibly dangerous threat from both natural and man-made sources: electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). Large-scale electronic system disruption or destruction is a potential result of natural EMPs, including solar flares. A catastrophic solar EMP event is still unlikely, but it might have serious effects on power grids, communication networks, and key infrastructure (Weiss & Weiss, 2019). The country's growing reliance on networked technology makes continuous monitoring and mitigation of natural EMP incidents necessary due to its sensitivity. However, because of its potential for deliberate damage, the man-made EMP threat— which is often linked to high-altitude nuclear detonations—has attracted a lot of attention. If carried out with strategic intent, a nuclear EMP assault may cause extensive damage to the electronic infrastructure, rendering communication networks and vital services completely unusable (Majcher, 2023). National security concerns arise from the possibility that non-state

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actors or rogue nations will be able to carry out such an assault. As a result, the American government has to continue to be watchful while evaluating and dealing with these possible dangers. When an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is unleashed, conductive materials may conduct electrical currents, harming delicate electronics and interfering with the regular operation of vital systems. In the worst case scenario, an EMP strike may cause protracted power disruptions that would affect emergency services, financial systems, healthcare, and transportation. This emphasizes how crucial it is to create resilient infrastructure and equip vital systems with EMP protection mechanisms in order to lessen any possible consequences (Sayakkara, 2019). An EMP incident may have more effects than just temporary interruptions since it might take a long time and a lot of resources to recover from. A widespread EMP incidence might have disastrous economic effects on companies, jobs, and the stability of the economy as a whole. Therefore, to strengthen the country's capacity to withstand and recover from such threats, the U.S. government, working with the private sector, must give priority to research, development, and deployment of EMP-resistant technology. What federal legislative action has taken place to address the EMP threat in terms of risk recognition and both structural and non-structural mitigation? The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019 includes EMP threat-related measures to enhance the security of the country's military mission. The NDAA pointed to the downstream disadvantages for critical infrastructure, national security, and civilian systems that include electricity, telecommunications, natural gas, and transportation when EMP occurrences occur, thus the need for understanding and mitigating these dangers (Weiss & Weiss, 2019). In

order to enhance the nationwide ability to identify, prevent, and recover from accidents resulting from EMP, the Act directed that there should be more research, testing, and analysis activities. The SHIELD (Secure et al. from Electricity) and CIPA (Critical et al.) legislation regarding EMP mitigation also alerted Congress. These actions primarily aimed to re-engineer the nation's critical lifeline resources—for example, an electrical network—to become less susceptible to EMP attacks. They recommended actions accounting for EMP impact uptake, measuring improvement, and securing the country from EMP disasters, starting with risk assessments, protective measures, and motivating public-private collaborations (Qiu, 2023).Federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which have published guidelines and recommendations on the subject for EMP preparation and response, have addressed issues relating to non-structural mitigation from the perspective of the EMP. The primary strategy to improve overall resilience is to collaborate with private business organizations and/or all governmental authorities. Individual state action The majority of countries have become aware of how an EMP attack and the disaster that could result from it may all be devastating and have undertaken special measures to mitigate this danger. This is notable in the case of Florida, which employs a sophisticated procedure for risk analysis as well as risk reduction (Zhang et al., 2024). Observing that the vital infrastructure in the state of Florida may bear the brunt of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP), a risk assessment is conducted to afford arsenals that are quite exposed to the effects of the EMP event. State authorities and energy providers, working together with experts in security, cooperate on an in- depth analysis of identified vulnerabilities in order to make appropriate strategic decisions.

Florida has the policy instruments and financial backbone to steadily develop and harden infrastructure resilient to the EMP threat. In today's world, protective 21st century measures may be backfitted into power grids, data networks, and so on. Take, for example, the way in which the state and utility companies work together to carry out the implementation of surge prevention and shielding measures (Zhang et al., 2024). As a result of this measure, the infrastructure components that are critical to the region’s operations have become more resilient. To avoid the overall vulnerability of the state's infrastructure, Florida has placed new structures on an EMP-resistant standard for creating important facilities as usual. Florida has set up awareness programs and non-structural measures that will help the public be prepared and the first to fight should an EMP disaster occur (Solkin, 2021). Thegovernment has launched a public educational campaign and urges individuals to undertake certain personal mitigation actions to keep the population informed of the possible risks related to electromagnetic pulses. This calls for endorsing neighborhood disaster preparatory initiatives that, in the long run, prioritize the installation of EMP-resistant systems. Public Policy concerning EMP attack With the safeguard of critical infrastructure and national security being the main factors, legislators are partially requested to emphasize the preemptive provision of the EMP threat before it is imminent. Deep-probing risk assessments and threat evaluations focusing on susceptible areas such as electricity grids, communication systems, and military networks are priorities. A multilateral approach with a robust legislative base, stringent regulatory plans, and well-timed technologies should be adopted to deal with such situations. Creating a distinct unit to supervise research and development, easing communication, and coordinating the activities are

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integral. The foundation of resistance to EMP will be laid through partnership creation, which involves collaboration with the tertiary sector. Accelerating the free and univalent information flow within the context of the international community is a vital process of putting a global defense against any cyberattacks. It is crucial to prevent the proliferation of EMP bombs and make way for collaboration, which reduces their impacts. Therefore, research the international agreements and procedures. How should the federal and state governments work together to harden the nation's electrical grid to prevent possible catastrophic issues that would result from an EMP attack? Federal and state governments must collaborate to protect the nation's power grids from the expectation that an electromagnetic pulse could be devastating. This fundamental collaboration should be multi-dimensional, involving the establishment of virtuous cycle planning, a legal framework, and funding for state-of-the-art technology, as well as the creation of efficient communication channels. However, both tiers of government must work together in this complex environment to guarantee the resilience of the electrical grid, protect our nation's security, and lessen the possibility of EMP strikes being devastating. A coherent and progressive roadmap will be the key to higher levels of government. Through a detailed risk analysis, the federal government should tackle how vulnerable the present power grid is to such attacks. This evaluation must necessarily focus on the enemies and their capabilities, in addition to the technical aspects of the grid and the geopolitical environment. Federal institutions like the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must find

a way to achieve a well-developed and flexible design for the nation's electrical system once the danger is realized. The enormous costs of the technologies that can repel and recover from EMP events as a part of governmental policy are highly significant since this includes these expenditures. By way of such an example, it can also equip the aging parts of the grid with modern designs and materials, e.g., control systems and transformers. In order to spread innovation and increase the speed of incorporation of futuristic tools, institutions, including national labs, research establishments, and private sector organizations, need to be well coordinated. The federal government needs sanctions and reward incentives to encourage utility firms to employ cyber- protected devices or technology. That will stimulate cooperation among the public and private sectors toward guarding a nation's essential infrastructure systems. Federal agencies should develop procedures to establish a mandate for the government to develop resilient buildings and environments that are efficiently supported and install reliable energy distribution systems. Setting policies, regulations, and proposals for incentives may assist utility firms in cooperating with the state government to meet this objective. The preparedness of the response agencies during an event is best achieved if the state governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have jointly developed emergency response plans that specifically address electromagnetic pulse (EMP) issues. On the other hand, good collaboration with state governments becomes critical for implementing the federal programs that work to mitigate the consequences of EMP since they contribute as the primary mediators in installing and keeping these measures in place. In addition, state governments being better acquainted with local electric power systems allows them to make federal rules more specific and solve some area-specific problems. Subsequently,

it becomes crucial to build the base of cooperation between federal bodies and state authorities and conduct ongoing conversations. Though states play a significant role in implementing federal policies at the local level, they also act as watchdogs and accountable governments. The bid is made to dedicate funds to bring EMP-shielded devices to the everyday management and adaptation of the electrical system. Participation in different federal and state regulatory regimes may be enabled by forming the regulations and using the EMP resistance processes and technologies by power utilities and grid operators. Such collaboration advances a holistic strategy and ensures its consistency, contributing to improving the nation's electric system. The senior authorities should build strong communication bridges through cooperation, information sharing, and data sharing. To sustain awareness of the situation and make the necessary strategies and alterations, the two governance levels should frequently exchange their impressions, threat assessments, and best-practical examples. Partners, e.g., utility companies, emergency responders, and other relevant partners, are critical to this information-sharing active network through which these organizations above are linked together for grid security. On the other hand, running federal and state educational campaigns to influence the public to support the EMP resilience programs is equally important. The consequences of EMP attacks on the populace must be comprehended because it is admirable to make such an effort to mitigate the risks and effects. The government requires public support in terms of funds and reforms to make power generation secure for the country. In addition, it helps cultivate a spirit of shared responsibility.

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References Hamid, F., Yahya, A., Yeow You, K., Swee Tan, T., & Sim, M. (2022). Mikrotalasna revija Recent Trends of Electromagnetic Pulse Mean for Denied Vehicular Access Application or Vehicle Immobilization . http://www.mtt-serbia.org.rs/files/MWR/MWR-2022jul/ Vol28No1-2233-6-Hamid.pdf Kim, S.-G., Lee, E., Hong, I.-P., & Yook, J.-G. (2022). Review of Intentional Electromagnetic Interference on UAV Sensor Modules and Experimental Study. Sensors , 22 (6), 2384. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22062384 Majcher, K., Musiał, M., Pakos, W., Różański, A., Sobótka, M., & Trapko, T. (2020). Methods of Protecting Buildings against HPM Radiation—A Review of Materials Absorbing the Energy of Electromagnetic Waves. Materials , 13 (23), 5509. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13235509 Qiu, W., Zhang, L., Yin, H., Markel, L. C., Liao, D., McConnell, B. W., & Liu, Y. (2023). Modeling, testing, and mitigation of electromagnetic pulse on PV systems. Solar Energy , 264 , 112010–112010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.112010 Sayakkara, A., Le-Khac, N.-A., & Scanlon, M. (2019). A survey of electromagnetic side-channel attacks and discussion on their case-progressing potential for digital forensics. Digital Investigation , 29 , 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diin.2019.03.002 Solkin, M. (2021). Electromagnetic interference hazards in flight and the 5G mobile phone: Review of critical issues in aviation security. Transportation Research Procedia , 59 , 310– 318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2021.11.123

Testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives GAO-16-641T United States Government Accountability Office . 2016. Weiss, M., & Weiss, M. (2019). An assessment of threats to the American power grid. Energy, Sustainability and Society , 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-019-0199-y Zhang, Z., Zhou, Y., Zhang, Y., & Qian, B. (2024). Strong Electromagnetic Interference and Protection in UAVs. Electronics , 13 (2), 393. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13020393