Strict security protocols are critical in every aspect of nuclear power generation, from original design through plant construction to operation and beyond. Robust physical defenses, redundant security systems and highly trained security officers protect our plants from threats.

The NRC holds nuclear plants to the highest security standards of any industry, and every plant exceeds those standards. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security agrees. Nuclear power plants continue to be among the best-protected private sector facilities in the nation.

Is Nuclear Energy Safe From Physical Attacks?

Yes. The nuclear energy industry is one of the nation’s most well-defended critical infrastructures. 

• Nuclear reactors are protected by steel-reinforced concrete, several feet thick, with a steel liner. The reactor vessel is made of steel about 6 inches thick.
• Reactors are housed in steel-reinforced concrete containment structures that are designed to withstand natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods. The containment building is so durable it can survive direct impact from a jet airliner.
• Nearly 9,000 well-armed and highly trained security officers—many of which come from prior law enforcement and military backgrounds—protect our nuclear plants.
• The NRC inspects each plant’s protective strategy at least once every three years with a “force-on-force” exercise, in which mock adversaries attempt to penetrate a plant’s defenses and the plant’s security force must respond. The NRC also conducts numerous other security inspections on various layers of security elements and programs.

Is Nuclear Energy Safe From Cyberattacks?

• Nuclear facilities protect their critical systems from cyberthreats with advanced measures.
• Nuclear plants are considered “critical infrastructure” by the federal government, a designation that means the industry takes extra precautions to monitor and protect cybersecurity. To match, the NRC has specific cybersecurity regulations dedicated to nuclear plant systems relied on for operation safety and security.
• Nuclear plants, along with the entire electricity sector, have been improving cybersecurity since 2002.