International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World: Securing the Future

Background

The safe and secure use of nuclear and other radioactive material, along with the operation of nuclear facilities and management of associated facilities and activities, rely heavily on information and computer systems. Additionally, these systems are crucial for the detection and recovery of materials outside of regulatory control.

The rapid pace of digital innovation and the growing reliance on computer-based systems in all areas of operations, including instrumentation and control systems for nuclear security and safety, highlight the need to discuss vulnerabilities. It is also essential to address the risk of cyber-attacks, theft and/or manipulation of sensitive information and computer-based systems.

The nuclear sector is not immune to cyber-attacks that can target computer-based systems to carry out or facilitate malicious acts, whether directly or in combination with more conventional means such as physical access and insiders. These types of blended cyber-attacks can potentially lead to theft, illicit trafficking, or sabotage resulting in radiological consequences for people and the environment.

The IAEA’s Nuclear Security Series publications stipulates the need for national nuclear security regimes to establish regulations and requirements to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information and to protect sensitive information assets such as computer-based systems.

Since the first International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World, held in 2015, awareness of the growing threat of cyber-attacks and their potential impact on nuclear security has increased. The IAEA has also developed detailed nuclear security guidance to assist countries in their national efforts to establish computer security as an integral element of nuclear security. Considering the evolving nature of computer security, the IAEA organized the second International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World: Security for Safety in June 2023 that emphasized the large scope of computer security for nuclear activities, including safety.

To build on the previous two conferences, the IAEA is now organizing the third International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World: Securing the Future (CyberCon26) which will be held at the IAEA’s Headquarters in Vienna, Austria from 11 to 15 May 2026.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the conference is to provide a global forum for competent authorities, operators, system and security integrators, vendors, and other relevant entities engaged in computer security activities related to nuclear security or safety to share experiences, exchange information and foster international cooperation in computer security.

The conference seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Explore computer security emerging technologies and discuss their potential impact on nuclear security, identifying areas of opportunity and/or risk.
• Identify priorities for computer security in nuclear security, and develop strategies to evolve current approaches to address emerging challenges and stay ahead of threats.
• Foster international cooperation in computer security for nuclear security by leveraging the expertise and resources of the IAEA and other organizations, and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes.

Participants are encouraged not to discuss any sensitive nuclear security information.

Target Audience

The conference is open to a broad range of experts and organizations from Member States, encompassing regulators, research institutions, security, law enforcement, and other entities involved in computer security for nuclear security within their respective countries. Additionally, nuclear operators, including facilities operators, transport operators, and owners of nuclear material and other radioactive material, are also invited to participate. The conference welcomes international, regional, and non-governmental organizations, as well as relevant industry or technology organizations, institutes, and companies. Furthermore, individuals and organizations from countries embarking on nuclear power are also encouraged to attend. The IAEA particularly encourages the participation of women, early career professionals, and individuals from developing countries to ensure a diverse and inclusive representation.