What deleterious effect of a terrorist attack was identified in the 2003 National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures?

The identification of the exploitation of infrastructure as a deleterious effect of a terrorist attack in the 2003 National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures highlights a critical concern regarding the vulnerabilities inherent in essential systems and facilities. In the context of terrorist activities, infrastructure can be targeted to either disrupt its functionality or take advantage of its operation for malicious purposes. This exploitation can manifest in various ways, such as sabotaging systems to cause chaos, stealing sensitive information, or using facilities as bases for further attacks.

The strategy emphasizes the need for robust security measures to protect these vital assets from being manipulated or utilized by terrorists. It underscores that the integrity and operation of critical infrastructure are paramount for national security, public safety, and overall societal stability. Hence, addressing the risks associated with the exploitation of infrastructure is essential for effective counter-terrorism strategies.

The other options focus on the consequences of not using, abandoning, or mismanaging infrastructure, which, while significant in their own right, do not encapsulate the immediate threat of terrorism that aims to actually exploit existing systems for nefarious ends. The emphasis is on proactive measures to thwart the potential for exploitation rather than the passive consequences of infrastructure neglect or misuse.