Defense-in-Depth for Nuclear Systems
A practical way to approach nuclear system security is defense-in-depth: layered controls designed on the assumption that any single safeguard can fail. It starts with fundamentals—knowing what exists (accurate asset inventory), controlling who can access it (strong identity and access management), and limiting where it can communicate (tight segmentation and controlled conduits).
Long-Lifecycle Equipment and Compensating Controls
Many safety-critical environments rely on long-lifecycle equipment built to run for decades, not to receive frequent updates. That reality doesn’t mean accepting risk—it means managing it differently. When patching is limited, protection shifts to compensating controls like hardened configurations, isolation, application allow-listing, controlled removable media, and continuous monitoring designed for OT behavior.
Third-Party Access and Operational Resilience
Vendors, integrators, and maintenance workflows often require privileged access, which makes supply chain and remote access a major pathway to manage. A mature program treats third-party access as high risk: least privilege, time-bound approvals, jump hosts, session recording, and processes that match how operations actually run. Resilience matters as much as prevention. Strong programs connect security to operations with tested incident response, offline backups for engineering assets, and rehearsed procedures to keep systems stable and safe under stress—aligned with guidance from bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In nuclear environments, cybersecurity is ultimately about keeping systems trustworthy, predictable, and controllable.
MW Solutions' Approach to OT Cybersecurity
At MW Solutions, we specialize in OT cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors, including the nuclear industry. Our services encompass comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments, asset discovery, threat modeling, and the implementation of secure-by-design principles. We assist clients in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies tailored to their specific operational needs and regulatory requirements.