IAEA conference tackles cyber-security in nuclear realm

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted the International Conference on Computer Security in a Nuclear World last week at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, to analyze and discuss the growing role that cyber security has in nuclear security.

“Computer security and nuclear security must be a continual and holistic process, but it does not need to be a solitary process,” Conference President Jazi Eko Istiyanto said. “The IAEA, the cooperating organizations for this conference and the community of interest that has gathered this week provide a wealth of resources and experience that can and should be leveraged in forging a secure nuclear future globally.”

The conference hosted more than 700 participants from 92 IAEA member nations and 17 industry organizations, covering topics related to threats to security systems, programs and management. Some of the conclusions reached include the need for global connectivity, the need for regulations that reflect threats to information technology systems and the need to develop worker capacity, among other findings.

“The conference has reaffirmed that computer security must be considered as part of a national nuclear security regimen,” IAEA Division of Nuclear Security Director Khammar Mrabit said. “It must be an ongoing process to address new technologies and growing adversary capabilities.”