Cyber-Nuclear Weapons Study Group


Developing Options to Address Cyber Threats to Nuclear Weapons

Challenge

Cyber attacks against nuclear weapons and related systems could result in a catastrophic, unintended use of a nuclear weapon.

Action

Gather former senior military officials and top nuclear policy and cyber security experts to assess the risks posed to nuclear weapons by cyber threats and develop policy options to reduce those risks.

Results

Identification of the implications of cyber threats to nuclear weapons and related systems and offer a set of policy recommendations to minimize the risks of unintended use.

Little is understood about cyber threats to nuclear weapons, due to the sensitive nature of these systems. All digital systems are vulnerable, however, and the risks are real: cyber attacks could be used to steal sensitive information about nuclear weapons, interrupt critical communications, manipulate warning systems or undermine confidence in nuclear deterrent forces—ultimately increasing nuclear risks.

NTI brought together high-level cyber and nuclear technical and policy experts and retired senior military officials—including a former head of STRATCOM— to form a Cyber-Nuclear Weapons Study Group. The group examined the implications of cyber threats to nuclear weapons and related systems and has developed a set of options for our nuclear policies, postures, and doctrines that will reduce risks.

Activity

2018



Close

My Resources