On the FT and Cyber Security

Earlier today, the Financial Times published a story concerning how computer hackers might be able to attack America's electric infrastructure. While the story didn't mention the nuclear energy industry specifically, we thought it would be a good idea to remind everyone that
NEI's in-house expert on cyber security, Bill Gross, recently tackled the issue of how the nuclear industry has been responding to these potential threats:

The nuclear sector is a leader in the area cyber security. The Nuclear Energy Institute established a Cyber Security Task Force in 2002 to begin developing recommendations and guidance for nuclear facilities to address cyber security threats. In 2006, in the absence of regulations, the nuclear power plants adopted and, by May of 2008, implemented a robust cyber security program. This program was recognized by both NRC and NERC as adequate for the protection of critical systems.

In March of 2009, the NRC issued mandatory and comprehensive performance-based cyber security regulations applicable to all existing and new nuclear power plants. These regulations require plants to submit a cyber security plan to the NRC for their approval. The cyber security program must implement defense-in-depth measures for the protection of digital systems that support safety, security, emergency preparedness, and reliable power generation. The NRC has approved the plans for all currently operating plants, and the plants are in the process of implementing those plans.

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Fluor Invests in NuScale

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Wednesday Update

From NEI’s Japan micro-site: NRC, Industry Concur on Many Post-Fukushima Actions Industry/Regulatory/Political Issues • There is a “great deal of alignment” between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the industry on initial steps to take at America’s nuclear energy facilities in response to the nuclear accident in Japan, Charles Pardee, the chief operating officer of Exelon Generation Co., said at an agency briefing today. The briefing gave stakeholders an opportunity to discuss staff recommendations for near-term actions the agency may take at U.S. facilities. PowerPoint slides from the meeting are on the NRC website. • The International Atomic Energy Agency board has approved a plan that calls for inspectors to evaluate reactor safety at nuclear energy facilities every three years. Governments may opt out of having their country’s facilities inspected. Also approved were plans to maintain a rapid response team of experts ready to assist facility operators recoverin

NEI Nuclear Notes

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