IAEA NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON COMPUTER SECURITY INSPECTIONS FOR NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL FACILITIES IN NIGERIA

IAEA NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON COMPUTER SECURITY INSPECTIONS FOR NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL FACILITIES IN NIGERIA

As the use of computer-based systems continues to increase in nuclear and radiological facilities, it is important that such systems are properly secured against malicious computer-based actions as computer networks and systems have become a larger target for malicious acts.

The potential consequences for successful malicious attacks on nuclear and radiological facilities, nuclear security information loss, and the theft of nuclear or radioactive material make the development of a robust computer and information security program an essential component of the overall nuclear security program.

It was on this basis, that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) organized a five (5) day National Training Course on "Conducting Computer Security Inspections for Nuclear Facilities in Nigeria". The Training Course was held from 9^th to 13^th October 2023 at the NNRA Headquarters, Abuja

The objectives of the training were to:

1. Provide adequate guidance and inspection techniques to NNRA Inspectors on the conduct of computer security inspections at nuclear and radiological facilities. 
2. Provide participants with the knowledge and skills to access analyze and enhance the security of computer systems and networks.
3. Assist NNRA in the review of its Draft Computer Security Regulations and provide recommendations for improvements.

The DG/CEO, Dr Yau Idris, in his opening remark, welcomed the IAEA Experts to Nigeria and thanked the IAEA for collaborating with the NNRA to organize this important National Training Course. He further stated that the Training Course will help NNRA in developing capacity in the conduct of Computer Security Regulations Inspection in nuclear and radiological facilities in Nigeria. He enjoined the participants to maximize the training to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

In response, Mr. Trent Nelson, Nuclear Security Information Officer with the IAEA and the Scientific Secretary for the event, thanked the NNRA for the warm welcome and expressed great satisfaction at the competence level of the NNRA Inspectors. In his words, “This is unprecedented in the years of my work travels”. He further said that the IAEA is willing to train more NNRA regulators on specific aspects of computer security in the near future. 

Key topics of the Training Course were:

• Current State of Computer/Cyber Security Regulations,
• Key elements of a Computer Security Regulatory Framework,  
• Incorporating Risk, Consequence & Graded Inspections and Categorization,
• Cyber Security Integration into Existing Nuclear Security Inspection Programs and Processes.

IAEA Expert who facilitated the Training Course include; Mr. Drew Christensen (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) USA, Mr. Amir Abdmishani (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) USA, Mr. Samo Tomazic (Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration) Slovenia, and Mr. Constantin-Alex Sumanariu (National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control) Romania.

Participants were drawn from the ICT Division, Legal Unit, National Nuclear Security Coordination Center, and Nuclear Security Division of the NNRA, Zonal and State Operational Offices.