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300s School/NUCE 2100 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering/Project and Presentation.md
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@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ Modern control systems are integrating more and more digital technologies. These
# My Outline # My Outline
## Introduction ## Introduction
Modern nuclear power plants (NPPs) rely on control systems to maintain critical operations and ensure safety. Traditionally, these systems have been analog, relying on direct physical connections and simple, robust mechanisms. Analog systems, while secure by design against modern threats, pose challenges in maintenance and adaptability.
The nuclear industry is now transitioning to digital control systems, which offer enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. These systems can optimize operations through remote monitoring, streamlined updates, and integration with advanced diagnostics. However, this shift introduces a significant concern: cybersecurity. Unlike analog systems, digital control systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can compromise safety-critical operations and even have physical consequences.
The integration of digital technologies into NPPs presents a unique regulatory challenge. How can these systems be safeguarded against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats? This paper explores the contrast between analog and digital systems, examines the specific cybersecurity risks posed to NPPs, and discusses the regulatory hurdles and strategies needed to ensure the robustness of these critical infrastructures.
## Digital vs. Analog Control Systems ## Digital vs. Analog Control Systems
The fundamental reason cybersecurity is a concern for nuclear power is the introduction of digital control The fundamental reason cybersecurity is a concern for nuclear power is the introduction of digital control
### How is control done now? ### How is control done now?
@ -96,6 +101,19 @@ The fundamental reason cybersecurity is a concern for nuclear power is the intro
## Regulatory Challenges in Digital Systems ## Regulatory Challenges in Digital Systems
- Huge problem with digital control systems. You really can't know because the onus of cybersecurity right now is on the user (THIS IS CITEABLE) - Huge problem with digital control systems. You really can't know because the onus of cybersecurity right now is on the user (THIS IS CITEABLE)
- This is a push for regulators to instead put the blame of vulnerability removal onto the manufacturers. - This is a push for regulators to instead put the blame of vulnerability removal onto the manufacturers.
- This is one thing that has to happen - This is one thing that has to happen. It's like buying a car and the manufacturer says any recalls are your job to pay for.
## Strategies for Robustness to Cyberattacks - The other big challenge is measuring cybersecurity is incredibly challenging if not impossible.
- We're good at physical security.
- We measure cameras, sensors, walls
- we know how effective these things are and how long it takes to defeat them
- From that, we know how much value we get from defenses
- Cyberattacks are a completely different plane. The same analogy does not apply
- Because of this, it's hard to figure out how much cybersecurity protection is enough or appropriate
- and for Nuclear where every t and i has its mark, this just doesn't fit.
- This is an ongoing research topic.
## Conclusion ## Conclusion
As nuclear power plants evolve to incorporate digital control systems, the industry faces a double-edged sword. While these systems offer unmatched efficiency and adaptability, they also open doors to unprecedented cybersecurity risks. Cyberattacks targeting digital control systems, such as the infamous Stuxnet incident, highlight the real-world consequences of vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
To mitigate these risks, the nuclear industry must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, shifting the responsibility for secure system design to manufacturers and embracing innovative solutions for detection and defense. However, the complexity of measuring and enforcing cybersecurity presents a daunting regulatory challenge. Unlike physical security, where effectiveness can be quantified, digital security operates in an ever-changing landscape with no straightforward metrics for success.
The future of nuclear power depends on resolving these challenges. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, regulators, and cybersecurity experts, the nuclear sector can build resilient systems that leverage the benefits of digital technology while safeguarding against its risks. Only through rigorous oversight and continuous innovation can we ensure the safety and reliability of NPPs in the digital age.