On 15 and 16 October 2025, the VCDNP held a workshop on the evolving nuclear security implications associated with interconnected devices (commonly referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT) or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)) and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The interactive brainstorming workshop brought together a range of experts from diverse backgrounds, including from the nuclear industry, researchers, international organisations, and nuclear labs, with a range of expertise on interconnected devices, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and nuclear security.
Led by VCDNP Senior Fellow, Dr. Sarah Case Lackner, the workshop explored ways to identify and mitigate potential nuclear security risks associated with the integration of interconnected devices into nuclear facilities.
The workshop opened with presentations on the three background papers commissioned for the project:
- Internet of Things and the Impact on Nuclear Facilities by Donald Dudenhoeffer;
- Cybersecurity in IoT/IIoT and AI Integration by Lobna Ben Khelifa; and
- Data Security Challenges in Integration IIoT and AI in the Nuclear Industry by Khalil El-Khatib and Pooria Madani.
Following the briefings, participants engaged in small group discussions on the potential benefits and associated nuclear security risks of integrating interconnected devices into nuclear facilities. They also considered how the use of AI systems in conjunction with networked devices might alter the risks. Participants further examined the potential misuse of networked devices, both by unintentional and deliberate introduction into facilities, and how commercially available AI models could provide new capabilities to malicious actors, particularly in conjunction with the use of interconnected devices.
On the second day, participants discussed possible policy, regulatory, and technical solutions to balance the benefits and nuclear security risks of integrating interconnected devices and AI models and systems into nuclear facilities.
The second day also included a hybrid session involving national regulators to gain additional perspectives on the draft conclusions and initial thoughts generated by the workshop participants.
The workshop demonstrated the value of debating and discussing these topics with a range of experts with varying job responsibilities and expertise in finding a balance between benefiting from the integration of interconnected devices into nuclear facilities and establishing the necessary precautions to mitigate possible risks.
The VCDNP expresses its sincere gratitude to all participants and contributors, reaffirming its dedication to fostering dialogue on the evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of nuclear security and new and emerging technology. A detailed workshop report, highlighting key takeaways and insights, will be published in December 2025.
The VCDNP extends its heartfelt appreciation to Global Affairs Canada for its generous support, which made this important workshop possible.
