Nuclear Threat Initiative joins Paris Call for cybersecurity

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) has joined 2018 Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, an organization designed to improve and secure the cyber environment and its critical infrastructure.

The Paris Call — launched on Nov. 12, 2018, by French President Emmanuel Macron — is focused on developing international common principles for securing cyberspace to build confidence and trust. Overall, 57 nations and more than 300 technology firms have joined the Paris Call.

NTI works to address the security risks cyber threats pose to nuclear facilities, which is one type of critical infrastructure. If these facilities were sabotaged, it could lead to a dangerous release of radiation. NTI addresses these threats by facilitating cooperation and information sharing among global partners.

The Paris Call calls upon its signatories to help prevent malicious cyber activities; promote the implementation of international norms of responsible behavior in cybersecurity; and strengthen the security of digital processes, products, and services.

NTI has published several papers related to securing nuclear facilities from cyberattacks, including one called, “Nuclear Weapons in the New Cyber Age,” which explains how a successful cyberattack on nuclear weapons or related systems—including nuclear planning systems, early warning systems, communication systems, and delivery systems, in addition to the nuclear weapons themselves—could have catastrophic consequences.

NTI’s report, “Outpacing Cyber Threats: Priorities for Cybersecurity at Nuclear Facilities,” also focuses on priorities and recommendations to secure cybersecurity at nuclear facilities.