Work

Risks of Time and Chronology as an Underpinning Infrastructure for Critical Systems: Emerging Chronorisks and Chronosecurity Needs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Time and chronology form the invisible architecture upon which modern civilization depends, governing synchronization across markets, power grids, communication networks, transportation, and defense. Yet, this shared temporal framework, engineered through atomic clocks, satellites, and digital synchronization, faces growing vulnerabilities from error, neglect, and sabotage. This paper introduces the concepts of chronorisk and chronosecurity within a risk framework: chronorisk as the effect of uncertainty on the objective of maintaining accurate, synchronized, and secure timekeeping, and chronosecurity as the set of principles and measures ensuring its protection and resilience. Through a risk‐based lens, the paper examines emerging threats to global time infrastructures, including GNSS spoofing, cyberattacks, and systemic coupling failures. It explores how the social construct of time, unlike nature's adaptive rhythms, can be brittle and prone to cascading breakdowns. Drawing on lessons from natural systems, policy frameworks, and risk science, the study proposes integrated strategies for strengthening temporal resilience, framing time not only as a scientific or technical concern, but as a foundational element of national and global security.

Source: Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy

DOI: 10.1002/jci3.70011

Author: Bilal M. Ayyub

Institutions: Tongji University, Imperial College London, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Network Time Synchronization Technologies

Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,730