If there’s anything that should get the most cybersecurity attention, it should be the nuclear industry. A nuclear meltdown is catastrophic on a global scale because these incidents impact the entire climate. Nuclear radiation of any sort causes widespread devastation, and radioactive fallout could completely destroy our current way of life.

The risks of going nuclear are clearly extreme, yet the risk is still something most countries are willing to consider in exchange for the availability of an effective energy source.

Now, cyberhackers are taking notice of the global lack of security surrounding technology that guards most nuclear plants. According to a new report by the UK’s Chatham House, cybersecurity risks against nuclear power sources are becoming increasingly menacing. One specific site, the Sellafield nuclear power plant, for instance, has been hacked multiple times since 2015.

Many of the attacks have been linked to actors that are closely associated with both China and Russia. Rather than face these incidents head on and develop an appropriate security plan, it appears that the hacks were consistently covered up by senior staff.

In one case, “sleeper malware” was discovered to be operating in the background of Sellafield’s computer systems. Investigators determined that the malware could’ve been in place for the last ten years. While nothing is confirmed, investigators also determined that sensitive activities and data could’ve been transmitted to foreign adversaries through the malware.

This information is extremely concerning, considering that Sellafield houses the world’s largest plutonium stores. Plutonium is a highly reactive metal that’s used in the production of nuclear weapons. Sellafield also reportedly contains important confidential emergency planning documents that detail how the UK government should respond to a foreign attack. If foreign adversaries got hold of this information, then they’d be in a great position to attack or take over the facility and take control of the plutonium.

Clearly, this type of situation would quickly grow from a minor power plant hack to a massive nuclear cybersecurity and national security threat. The best way to avoid a similar type of situation is to be proactive and preventative when it comes to technologically securing our nuclear facilities.

Is Your Business Secure?

Nuclear power plants are far from the only target cyberhackers are looking at in 2024. Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerable targets, and that could be you or your business.

Are you currently investing in cybersecurity for your business? If you’re currently located in Bahrain or a nearby area, then it’s paramount for you to develop and implement a comprehensive security plan. This geographic area has become a hub of cybercriminal activity in recent years, and you do not want to be the next target.

A cyber attack can completely derail your business and make your customers lose trust in your brand. To prevent that from happening, make a move now and contact our cybersecurity team. We’ll conduct a widespread vulnerability assessment and let you know what we think needs to be implemented.