Govt is aware of growing challenges of cyber security breaches in nuclear facilities across the world: Union Minister Jitendra Singh in LS

The Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office, Dr. Jitendra Singh today informed Lok Sabha that the Government is aware of the growing challenges of cyber security breaches in nuclear facilities across the world. In a written reply, he said Indian nuclear establishments have set rigorous procedures for design, development and operation of the systems used in its installations. He said the safety and security-critical systems are designed and developed in-house using custom-built hardware and software which are subjected to regulatory verification and validation, thereby making them resistant to cyber security threats. Dr Singh said the critical infrastructure of nuclear power plant establishment is isolated from the internet and access to such systems is restricted to authorized personnel and is closely monitored. He said all computer-based systems are based on the standards and guidelines formulated by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Task Force for Instrumentation and Control Security which are derived in large part based on standards established by International Atomic Energy Agency.