Speakers
Description
Title:
Computer Security in Nuclear Material Transport: Digital Attack Surfaces and Mitigation Strategies
Themes:
Threats and risks / Computer security by Design
Abstract:
Nuclear material transportation occurs in public spaces, exposing it to unique safety and security challenges compared to stationary facilities. The theft or sabotage of nuclear material during transport could have catastrophic consequences, including the potential for radiological exposure, environmental contamination, or its use in malicious acts such as the construction of improvised nuclear devices. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies in modern transport vehicles, computer security vulnerabilities have now emerged as a key concern, further amplifying the risks associated with unauthorized access or cyber-attacks targeting these systems.
Collaboration between NNSA’s Office of International Nuclear Security (INS - United States) and Direction de l'Expertise Nucléaire de la Défense et de la Sécurité (DEND - France) aims to research the sensitive digital assets related to safety, security, and emergency preparedness of nuclear material transport. Specifically, our research strives to identify critical functions of vehicle computer security, their attack surfaces, and corresponding mitigation strategies. Efforts will focus on common vehicles, trailers, and fleet management software utilized in North America and Europe. Based on findings, a paper will be written to serve nuclear security stakeholders with a framework for identifying and protecting sensitive digital assets critical to nuclear security transport. A scanning device will also be developed to map these assets by interrogating on-board equipment.
This submission will focus on our initial findings and challenges related to ongoing research efforts via an oral presentation. Presenting this work to partners in the nuclear material transport domain will allow us to foster additional collaboration, understand unique considerations, and solicit feedback from key experts related to the field.
