IAEA launches training course to protect nuclear facilities from cyberattacks

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched a new training course on protecting nuclear facilities from cyberattacks.

The course, called Protecting Computer-Based Systems in Nuclear Security Regimes, brought together 37 participants from 13 countries for two weeks of training on best practices in computer security. It was held earlier this month at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls.

The training course was the first in a series that will focus on computer security and raising awareness of the threat posed by cyberattacks.

“Everyone with responsibility for nuclear security must have a thorough understanding of the vulnerabilities of their systems – they must know how to prevent and mitigate possible cyberattacks on those systems,” Raja Adnan, director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security, said. “The IAEA offers a range of training courses in computer security to help ensure that governments and organizations have the necessary technical, regulatory and other tools to succeed when faced with highly skilled adversaries.”

The course featured mock-ups of actual digital systems common in today’s nuclear facilities. The course — developed by cybersecurity experts from the IAEA, the Idaho National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory — featured a learning environment that replicated equipment typically found in a nuclear facility.

“The hands-on lab environment, presentations, and exercises were conducted in a manner that allowed participants of varied experience to gain the full benefit of the training,” James Byrne, a participant from EDF Energy in the United Kingdom, said. “It was a valuable training experience that provided me with many cybersecurity insights that will be helpful for me when I return to work.”