Britain's nuclear weapons are vulnerable to a cyber attack, experts warm
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BRITAIN’S nuclear arsenal is vulnerable to a cataclysmic cyberattack, a leading think tank today warned.A new study by respected academics at Chatham House revealed nukes – including the UK’s Trident warheads – were at risk because they were developed before the advent of cyber warfare.Now rogue states and terror groups have acquired the ability to pose a new threat to history’s ultimate weapon.The report, released today, said: “Cyber vulnerabilities within nuclear weapons systems and structures present a whole set of dangers and risks.“At best, cyber insecurity in nuclear weapons systems is likely to undermine trust and confidence in military capabilities and in the nuclear weapons infrastructure.“At worst, cyberattacks could lead to deliberate misinformation and the inadvertent launch of nuclear weapons.“After all, it is the public that will pay the ultimate price for complacency regarding cybersecurity of nuclear weapons systems.” Researchers Dr Beyza Unal and Dr Patricia Lewis outlined a number of doomsday scenarios that could hit any nuclear arsenal in the world.It included neutralising communications – sowing doubt in the minds of world leaders and commanders ahead of a strike.Attacking “telemetry data” to affect where missiles strike and attacking “pre-launch targeting information” Experts warned cyberattacks could manipulate data, scramble communications and dupe commanders in a myriad of ways either by hacking systems or planting malware.Their report warned: “The potential impacts of a cyberattack on nuclear weapons systems are enormous.” Frailties were exposed because nuclear weapons were designed at a time when computer technology were in their “infancy”.The paper urged a new approach to the threat including wide ranging risk assessments to stay ahead of the threat.The Royal Navy is building a new fleet of Dreadnought submarines to replace the ageing Vanguard nuclear boats.
2018-01-11 11:24:59
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