Upcoming IAEA Conference on Computer Security: Addressing Security for Safety

The growing range and number of cyber threats means that there is no single facility immune to cyber-attacks. In the case of nuclear installations and radiological facilities, computer-controlled systems are extensively used to support their core functions and operations. Information and computer security, therefore, are an essential part of nuclear security measures, along with physical protection, both for nuclear facilities and nuclear or other radioactive material facilities.  

“The heightened awareness of cyber threats urges for further investment of resources towards improving computer security for nuclear security,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. The IAEA offers countries assistance in addressing their needs in the area of computer security. In 2022, the IAEA organized 46 computer security-related events, an increase of 28 per cent from 2021, with a focus on national-level support for computer security regulations and inspections, and computer security exercises. 

The IAEA is holding an International Conference on Computer Security in a Nuclear World: Security for Safety, from 19 to 23 June 2023 in Vienna, Austria, bringing together the international community to discuss developments and progress in protecting nuclear and other radioactive material activities against cyber-attacks.  

The conference, the second of its kind with the first held in 2015, will provide the opportunity for countries to discuss and exchange about key elements of computer security, such as state level strategies, regulations, implementation of a computer security programme with protective measures, supply chain and incident response, as well as capacity building courses and exercises offered by the IAEA. 

“Every participant will benefit from the technical sessions planned in the upcoming conference, as well as from a variety of hands-on demonstrations to be showcased,” said Buglova.  

The conference will provide a global forum for competent authorities of IAEA member countries, nuclear operators, integrators and suppliers of security systems and other relevant international and industry organizations and institutions. It will feature…