Page Stoutland PhD
Consultant, Scientific and Technical Affairs
Cyber-Nuclear Forum
Building Global Cybersecurity Capacity at Nuclear Facilities
Challenge
All countries—but particularly those with emerging nuclear programs that lack the hands-on knowledge gained through operating experience—are struggling to attract the technical talent needed to successfully address the risk of cyberattacks on nuclear facilities.
Action
Promote greater international cooperation by engaging and building a network of cybersecurity experts from operational nuclear facilities.
Results
A sustainable global network that enables best-practice exchange and cooperation.
Cyber-Nuclear Forum Events
The Forum brings together cyber-nuclear leaders to share experiences and practices to strengthen cybersecurity at nuclear facilities. Meetings are by invitation only, with up to forty attendees, to provide an environment for substantive engagement. Specifically, we are:
- Facilitating the sharing of best practices. We are bringing together experts from industry-leading organizations, as well as new or small nuclear facilities. Participants include chief information security officers, lead computer security engineers, cyber-nuclear security managers, and others who can share best practices and lay the groundwork for a global cyber-nuclear expert network. Agenda topics include: developing risk frameworks, embedding cybersecurity into organizational culture, recruiting and retaining talent, and identifying technical subgroups.
- Creating a self-sustaining entity. In partnership with the nuclear industry, international organizations, and industry groups, we are working to develop the appropriate partnerships and funding sources for ongoing Forum support.
- Guided by a steering group. To guide the overall effort, including its sustainability, we have created a Forum steering group, drawing members from key nuclear companies from around the world.
July 2019 Cyber-Nuclear Forum Meeting
NTI convened the inaugural meeting of the Cyber-Nuclear Forum outside of Paris, France from July 8 – 10, 2019. Participants in the meeting focused on three objectives:
- Facilitating dialogue, information exchange, and problem solving on cyber security issues among nuclear operators and technical experts.
- Promoting the sharing of best practices and cooperation.
- Creating an informal global network of cyber-nuclear technical experts.
February 2020 Cyber-Nuclear Forum Meeting
The second meeting of the Forum took place from February 8-11 in Krems, Austria. Nearly 40 experts from 16 countries met to discuss ways to strengthen cyber security at nuclear facilities. Key topics included best practices for portable device management, use of cloud services as well as wireless communications. In addition, in-depth discussions were held on security of the supply chain and training for cyber-nuclear skills.
October 2020 Cyber-Nuclear Forum Meeting
The third meeting of the Forum took place October 20-21. The meeting was virtual due to the COVID pandemic. Forty-three experts from 19 countries and the IAEA met to continue the discussion of ways to strengthen cyber security at nuclear facilities. Key topics included the C-Suite perspective, management of cyber security of nuclear facilities during COVID, lessons learned from others in the community, supply chain and critical digital systems integrity best practices.
Participation in the Cyber-Nuclear Forum
Support of the Forum by NTI and corporate donors allows meeting participation as well as lodging and meals to be provided free of charge to attendees. Travel support is available for participants from developing countries and others on a case-by-case basis.
Sponsorship
NTI welcomes financial contributions to support the Forum. We want to thank the sponsors of the Cyber-Nuclear Forum—Bruce Power, Exelon Corporation, Urenco, and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office—without whom the Forum would not be possible.
Contact: To inquire about providing financial support, please contact NTI at [email protected].