The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has launched a cyber facility. David Peattie, NDA Group CEO, attended the opening at Herdus House in west Cumbria; also attending were representatives from government, the nuclear sector, regulators and the supply chain.
Mr Peattie said: “The GCCC is further enhancing our collective ability to keep us safe, secure, resilient and sustainable in cyberspace. Enabling us to work together more closely means we can defend as one, benefitting the collective security of the individual organisations we serve. When it comes to security, we are never complacent, and we continually invest in our expertise and our technology to further strengthen our capability.”
About the NDA
The NDA is the body tasked by UK Government to clean up the UKโs earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively. The NDA group is made up of the NDA and its four parts Sellafield in west Cumbria, Nuclear Restoration Services, Nuclear Waste Services and Nuclear Transport Solutions. A joint Cyber Security Operations facility opened in Warrington in August.
Comment
Chris Grove, Director, Cybersecurity Strategy at Nozomi Networks described the launch as marking a significant step in the UKโs cyber security efforts, particularly within the critical national infrastructure (CNI) sector. “This move not only highlights the vital role of nuclear facilities in the UKโs economy and society, but also reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting them from potential threats.
“In line with this focus on collaboration and enhanced security, consistent investment in cyber defences, such as the GCCC and the Cyber Security Operations facility in Warrington, are crucial initiatives that aim to address the growing risk to the UKโs critical infrastructure. The NDA’s recognition of the dynamic nature of cyber threats, and their proactive approach to leveraging innovative technologies like AI and robotics within the GCCC, demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of potential adversaries.
“However, while the establishment of the GCCC and the NDA’s ongoing investment in cyber security are commendable steps, it is important to acknowledge that cyber criminals are persistent and continuously evolving. Their interest in CNI, particularly the nuclear sector, will likely remain high due to the potential impact of successful attacks. Therefore, continuous vigilance, regular updates to security protocols, and strong public-private partnerships, as exemplified by the GCCC’s collaborative approach, are essential to effectively deter these threats and safeguard our critical infrastructure.โ
