Nuclear power plants are among the most highly protected private-sector facilities in the nation. Our plants are built with multiple security and defensive features including:
Because security threats are constantly evolving, we constantly reassess, refine and enhance the security programs at our nuclear plants. For example, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the nuclear energy industry substantially enhanced security measures, increasing security personnel significantly and establishing more stringent cyber security rules. In recent years, we have enhanced cyber security measures even further.
Members of our security forces are often former military and police members, and are required to complete rigorous training and receive re-qualification training each year.
In addition, our security personnel are regularly subject to real-world challenges of simulated "force-on-force" attacks. Experts working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are responsible to plan, coordinate, and assess plant security response to a wide variety of simulated attacks.
All U.S. nuclear power plants have three security zones with increasing levels of physical security measures to prevent intruders from accessing the plant.
The nuclear power industry has the highest security standards of any U.S. industry. (Source: Nuclear Energy Institute)
Computer systems that help operate nuclear plants and safety equipment are isolated from the Internet to protect against outside intrusion.