CIKRstands for “Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources” – an umbrella term referring to the assets of the United States essential to the nation's security, public health and safety, economic vitality, and way of life. 

the interconnectedness of CIKR sectors is one of the biggest challenges for protection because events in one sector can ripple out to others. Also, legislation and standards help protect the private areas of CIKRs. But, how can the government ensure these standards are implemented in the private sector?