Critical Infrastructure Protection: Advanced Technologies for Crisis Prevention and Response (NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security)

This book presents the latest research findings from experts in critical infrastructure protection and management. It explores various aspects of both cyber and physical attack scenarios, focusing on crisis management and response strategies. A significant portion of the work addresses how different critical infrastructure sectors can withstand and recover from attacks, with an emphasis on practical solutions and real-world applications.

Several chapters also delve into the human element of crisis management, highlighting the psychological and organizational challenges faced during emergencies. The book demonstrates how human decision-making, behaviour, and coordination play pivotal roles in the effectiveness of response efforts.

One of the emerging topics in critical infrastructure protection discussed in the book is using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in firefighting and other accident-related crisis situations. This innovative technology is shown to enhance emergency response capabilities, offering new ways to monitor, assess, and manage crises from a distance.

Additionally, the research includes detailed analyses of ballistic and blast effects, offering insights into how these physical threats can impact infrastructure and how to mitigate their effects. The book combines cutting-edge research with practical insights, providing a comprehensive overview of the current trends and challenges in protecting critical infrastructures from a wide range of threats.

This book also addresses the evolving role of humans in modern warfare, particularly in the context of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. As AI technologies reshape military strategies, they emphasize the need to balance automation with human oversight, ensuring that human security remains central to decision-making processes in complex and high-stakes environments.

Tünde Anna Kovács, (PhD) is a Professor in the Department of Materials Technology of the Obuda University, Banki Donat Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering Hungary. Member of the editorial board of the Acta Materialia Transylvania (Romania), Transactions of the VSB (Checz Republic), Safety and Security Sciences Review (Hungary), Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies (Hungary) and member of the scientific council of the Security Engineering of Anthropogenic Objects (Poland). Supervisor and teacher at the Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences and the Doctoral School on Materials and Technologies Sciences of Obuda University. Her research interests are in the field of materials science and technologies, special welding processes (ultrasonic and explosive welding) that affected the phase transformation of metals, and research interest in the impact load resistance composite materials.

Dr. Igor Fürstner, is a Professor at Subotica Tech – College of Applied Sciences, Serbia. He obtained his PhD for the development an overall model for defining the functions and attributes of products in mass customization environment and has also completed the Habilitation. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous international and cross-border scientific and professional projects, both as a participant and at a managerial level. Most of these projects were related to his main research focus—problems arising during integrated product development in today's industrial and higher education environments. Since 1998, he has been a regular participant at conferences, serving as a speaker, plenary speaker, and session chair. He is a member of the Scientific Committees of several international conferences and has also served as co-chair or member of their Organizing Committees. Additionally, he is a member of editorial boards for journals and series. In terms of his scientific work, he is the author or co-author of more than 110 published publications.