Cyber Resilience and Strategic Stability: Securing Nuclear Facilities in the Digital Age

In an era of increasing digitization, nuclear command systems and power plants are becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt operations and undermine deterrence. This article examines the evolving threat landscape, drawing on literature and documented incidents of cyber intrusions into nu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Risk analysis
Main Authors: Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Saad, Ehsan, Muhammad, Ghalib, Sardar Jehanzaib
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 28.10.2025
Subjects:
control
cyber threats
nuclear command
cyber resilience
and communications (NC3)
strategic stability
ISSN:0272-4332, 1539-6924, 1539-6924
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In an era of increasing digitization, nuclear command systems and power plants are becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt operations and undermine deterrence. This article examines the evolving threat landscape, drawing on literature and documented incidents of cyber intrusions into nuclear systems to identify critical technical and policy vulnerabilities. It argues that such intrusions risk eroding second‐strike credibility and may create incentives for preemptive action, thereby destabilizing strategic balances. Although regulatory bodies and international organizations have issued cybersecurity guidelines for nuclear facilities, implementation remains inconsistent. To address these challenges, the study proposes a set of resilience measures encompassing advanced technical safeguards, specialized workforce training, the establishment of international norms, and enhanced crisis communication protocols. Strengthening the cyber resilience of both civilian and military nuclear assets is presented as an urgent imperative for maintaining global security and strategic stability in the digital age.
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ISSN:0272-4332
1539-6924
1539-6924
DOI:10.1111/risa.70136