Cyber security in the nuclear industry: A closer look at digital control systems, networks and human factors

The development life cycle of conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs) needs to be optimized if the energy produced by advanced reactors and small modular is competitive. One proposed optimisation initiatives digitalization facility control instrumentation. Digitalization instrumentation will improve plants' performance cost competitiveness. However, it could also introduce cyber security challenges. To create a strong cyber-defence for critical digital assets in facilities, an extensive analysis threats vulnerabilities systems, networks, devices necessary. This article examines recent research that analyses at facilities vulnerabilities. work synthesizes categorises potential attack propagation paths digitalized based on five different surfaces: direct network path, programmable logic controllers, sensor/actuator signals, indirect such as attacks exploit human factors supply chain. work's main contribution provides state-of-the-art understanding relationship between paths, associated vulnerabilities, current controls. Based literature review, framework developing attack-resilient system NPPs suggested, which would helpful security-informed design reactor systems. discussion risks, routes, defence methods offers cutting-edge challenges facilities. suggested essential foundation future direction, towards secured resilient digitisation plant