Information Technology as a Critical Attribute in Nuclear Security
Information Technology as a Critical Attribute in Nuclear Security

Author(s): Tumelo Baraedi
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Security and defense, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: information technology; Nuclear Power Plants; nuclear security
Summary/Abstract: Information Technology (IT) can be defined as the use of software, computers, networks, or any other electronic systems in processing, storing, managing and transmitting data. It plays a major role in nuclear security, whereby the enhancement of control, monitoring, safety and management of nuclear and/or radioactive materials and associated facilities (e.g., Nuclear Power Plants) is maintained. Effective and long-term IT systems are necessary to ensure the protection of nuclear/radioactive material and associated facilities from any cyber threats or any form of malicious acts by adversaries. It must be noted that nuclear power plants (NPP) have over the years emphasised the use of information or cyber security due to the escalated attacks on nuclear installations/facilities resulting in states losing billions due to infrastructure damage. The main objective is to review the threats and risks associated with existing nuclear infrastructure, with focus being on information security. The paper seeks to emphasise the critical role played by Information Technology in Nuclear Security in ensuring the protection of nuclear assets from both physical and cyber threats. The research was conducted through a literature review of international instruments such as IAEA publications (IAEA NSS No. 42-G) on computer security for nuclear security, and other publications related to I.T. in the nuclear security.

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