How AI Will Impact Nuclear Information and Cyber Security?

AI can help with nuclear security and safety in a variety of ways. It is useful for processing data

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies have the potential to disrupt the world, ushering in unparalleled growth and creativity by revolutionizing how we generate, consume, and use information. As AI technologies advance, they will disrupt industries, expedite operations, and change how we live our lives. The nuclear sector is no different, and the benefits of AI may be expected in many processes and activities in nuclear and radiological facilities. 

Information and computer security advantages: The IAEA is preparing for the changes brought about by AI by encouraging international cooperation in the field to guarantee that all countries benefit from the potential while also preparing to limit the threats. The IAEA supports the development, awareness, and implementation of AI methods, countermeasures, and defense against hostile actors through mechanisms such as Technical Meetings and coordinated research projects (CRPs). Reducing reliance on human analysis and action is the most significant advantage of AI in information and computer security. AI-enabled systems can monitor networks and systems for threats 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By automating these procedures, nuclear security experts gain time to focus on more important responsibilities and respond to emergencies more efficiently. 

Problems to be solved: The benefits of AI in nuclear and radiological facilities heavily depend on how the AI system was taught. AI is only as smart as the training data it is given, and it may be fooled into producing misleading readings and outcomes if not given the necessary inputs. This is still a severe impediment to its application in nuclear security. Even with recent advances in AI technology, deploying it to replace a person is not viable. Physical protection, material accounting and control, and direct measurements require human intervention to ensure nuclear security. 

The IAEA's computer security guidance for nuclear security includes best practices on human checks and balances to help facilities understand which processes can be automated by AI and which should continue to be overseen by humans until the risks of this rapidly developing technology are known. They also provide a vital resource that may help governments implement critical computer security measures to identify, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks. 

The rush to implement AI technology: AI has demonstrated its ability to help individuals who employ nuclear technology for benign purposes. As its usage to improve procedures and operations at nuclear and radiological facilities grows, so does public awareness of the concerns connect with its widespread use. Organizations must maintain a sophisticated computer security program to ensure nuclear security while profiting from AI. A fundamental paradigm shift in how trust and sensitivity are seen is required to do so. Every potential point of failure in a system, including ones unrelated to its design, must be examined. Bad actors can utilize AI to construct more complex malware, automate cyberattacks, exploit model biases and flaws, or circumvent security measures by impersonating normal user behavior. This arms race between defenders and attackers will necessitate continuous invention and adaptability.