Nuclear Cybersecurity
Integrating cybersecurity in advanced reactors to ensure resilience
Advanced and small modular reactors represent a cornerstone of the next generation of reliable energy. There is a national priority to construct and operationalize a fleet of advanced and small modular reactors to respond to the nation’s rising energy needs. However, security must emerge at the speed of technology because a single cyber-enabled disruption could undermine public trust, stall deployment and jeopardize this national objective
INL’s Nuclear Nonproliferation team is leading research and development for securing digital infrastructure for nuclear power. The team offers services for both operating nuclear plants and conceptual designs by providing cybersecurity support through consultation, network and protocol analysis, reverse engineering and vulnerability assessments.
Nuclear cybersecurity researchers and industry unite to protect next-gen reactors
On Aug. 19, 2025, INL’s nuclear cybersecurity team hosted the A/SMR Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience Summit in Salt Lake City, bringing together key industry leaders — including Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Curtiss Wright and Hitachi Energy.
The summit focused on shaping cybersecurity frameworks, tools and best practices that ensure secure design, operation and supply chain integrity.
Nuclear Cybersecurity Tools and Capabilities
Cybersecurity for Advanced and Small Modular Reactors
Advanced and small modular reactors are being designed as digital-native systems with features like remote monitoring, advanced analytics and semi-autonomous operations. While these innovations improve efficiency and scalability, they also introduce complex cyber risk environments. INL works with developers, vendors and regulators to:
- Identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks across the reactor lifecycle
- Integrate security into system architecture, operational logic and vendor requirements
- Address threats such as:
- Information and operational technology convergence
- Supply chain vulnerabilities
- Insider threats
- Remote access and unmanned aircraft system attack vectors
International Partnerships
INL’s international engagements span over 40 countries. The nuclear cybersecurity team works with multilateral organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Institute for Nuclear Security to offer:
- On-site and remote training
- Peer exchanges and tabletop exercises
- Cyber assessments and test bench deployments
- Co-development of regulatory infrastructure, technical guidance and implementation support
These efforts are grounded in INL’s consequence-driven cyber-informed engineering (CCE) framework, ensuring that the most critical systems receive prioritized protection. By sharing methods with international partners, the team spreads cybersecurity innovation globally, helping secure nuclear energy worldwide.
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