Hackers could spark armageddon by launching an attack on nuclear weapons systems, a defence think tank has warned.
A report by Chatham House identified a ‘number of vulnerabilities’ to nuclear weapons systems across the world, which could leave them open to harmful attacks, including through the use of malware or viruses.
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Should a state be unaware that its systems have been compromised, it could lead to decisions being made based on false information, the study said.
‘Nuclear weapons systems were first developed at a time when computer capabilities were in their infancy and little consideration was given to potential malicious cyber vulnerabilities,’ the report’s authors said.
‘At times of heightened tension, cyber attacks on nuclear weapons systems could cause an escalation, which results in their use.
‘Inadvertent nuclear launches could stem from an unwitting reliance on false information and data. Moreover, a system that is compromised cannot be trusted in decision-making.’
The report suggests the likelihood of attempted cyber attacks on nuclear weapons systems is ‘relatively high’ and cites reports the US may have infiltrated parts of North Korea’s missile systems last year and caused test failures.
It warns that a mistaken missile launch could result in a ‘significant loss of life’.
The authors added: ‘Cyber vulnerabilities within nuclear weapons systems and structures present a whole set of dangers and risks.
‘At best, cyber insecurity in nuclear weapons systems is likely to undermine trust and confidence in military capabilities and in the nuclear weapons infrastructure.
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‘At worst, cyber attacks could lead to deliberate misinformation and the inadvertent launch of nuclear weapons.
‘In times of crisis, loss of confidence in nuclear weapons capabilities would factor into decision-making and could undermine beliefs in nuclear deterrence – particularly in extending nuclear deterrence to allied countries.”
The report, entitled Cybersecurity of Nuclear Weapons Systems: Threats, Vulnerabilities and Consequences, said the issue required ‘urgent attention’ from the governments of nuclear-armed states, and those that could be affected by the use of nuclear weapons.
It also urged governments to be open about their discussions, adding: ‘After all, it is the public that will pay the ultimate price for complacency regarding cyber-security of nuclear weapons systems.’
According to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report from 2014, nine countries have nuclear forces: the United States, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.
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