The VCDNP has published three new papers addressing the impact of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI) on nuclear facilities, data security, and cybersecurity. These papers were commissioned as part of the project on Balancing Innovation and Nuclear Security for AI and IoT Technologies, generously funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Internet of Things and the Impact on Nuclear Facilities describes the potential benefits of IoT integration in nuclear power plants, including condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, plant operations efficiency, digital twin implementation, and inventory and supply chain management. It also highlights the challenges of managing IoT integration, especially in ageing nuclear facilities, as well as the need for cybersecurity risk management and cost-benefit justification for its use. The paper also provides an overview of considerations when integrating IIoT in nuclear facilities to maintain robust nuclear security.
Jointly published with the Austrian Institute for Technology (AIT), the paper was authored by Donald Dudenhoeffer, a senior cybersecurity consultant with over 35 years of experience in nuclear operations and security.
Data Security Challenges in the Integration of IIoT and AI in the Nuclear Industry presents insights into key challenges and concerns associated with data integrity and operational reliability when Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and AI are integrated in the nuclear sector. The paper provides examples of adversarial inputs and attacks that are, in many cases, unique to IIoT and AI, including manipulated data streams, data poisoning attacks, and model replication. It also explores gaps in data governance, compliance, and standards when considering IIoT and AI integration in nuclear facilities.
The paper was co-authored by Dr. Khalil El-Khatib, Professor in Information Security, and Dr. Pooria Madani, Assistant Professor of Business and Information Technology at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Cyber Security in IoT/IIoT and AI Integration covers the growing complexity of IoT ecosystems and their connections to AI models and systems, including how to enhance cybersecurity defence. The paper outlines various attacks targeting IoT and IIoT devices and potential mitigation strategies. Six challenges in AI and IoT security are highlighted, along with six best practices for IoT security.
The paper was authored by Dr. Lobna Ben Khelifa, Assistant Professor of Data Science and AI at Applied Science University in Amman, Jordan, and a consultant specialising in AI strategy, security, and emerging technologies.
