Abstract

In the emerging field of modular microreactors (MMR), which have the potential to be deployed in high numbers across all sectors of the economy, very robust cybersecurity measures are necessary to prevent disruption of service and accidents. This study presents a structured, comprehensive, and easy-to-implement cybersecurity framework tailored explicitly for nuclear microreactors, aiming to streamline the identification and protection of high-priority systems and pre-emptively address threats during the project's design phase.

The proposed framework offers a strategy that brings all aspects of cybersecurity under a single, coherent plan. This approach allows microreactor developers to highlight network segments and use a risk management matrix to pinpoint high-priority systems at risk and determine necessary protective measures. As an example, applying the proposed methodology, it was found that the sensor zone, being a crucial component of the reactor protection system, could be subject to three critical vectors of attack and would require solutions such as encryption, data diode gateways and supply chain management to ensure a lower cybersecurity risk. Importantly, the framework is designed to be versatile, ensuring its applicability across a range of MMR designs and operational contexts.