Sentar wins grant to boost cyber resilience in US nuclear plants

Sentar Inc., a small business specialising in cyber resilience solutions and technology, has been awarded a research grant from the US Department of Energy.

The grant will be used to develop a proof-of-concept solution that will, according to a statement from Sentar, inform nuclear plant stakeholders of "predicted and observable operational performance disruptions that result from specific cyber attacks".

The aim of the grant is to increase cyber resilience in the nuclear sector, ensuring safer operations of plants by updating the facility and technology.

The solution will prioritise preventative efforts and restorative efforts if an attack should occur.

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“Cyber resilience and reliability must become an operational imperative for critical infrastructure,
said Gary Mayes, senior director of research & development at Sentar.

“It is essential to have the ability to mitigate damage once subjected to a cyber-attack and continue to maintain operations when systems or data have been compromised.”

The work will begin immediately in Huntsville, Alabama.

Innovation research grant

The grant received by Sentar falls under the Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Energy.

The SBIR programme is competitive and aims to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialisation.

Furthermore, the grant aims to boost scientific innovation and excellence, while also fostering entrepreneurship by women and those who are socially or economically disadvantaged.

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, nuclear power reactors produce 20% of the US’s electricity, which means that ensuring the safety and security of these facilities is a priority.

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the nuclear industry has increased comprehensive cybersecurity efforts via policies, procedures, and practices to protect these components of critical infrastructure.