Cyber attacks could lead to '˜inadvertent' nuclear missile launches

HMS Vigilant, based in Clyde, is one of the UK's fleet of four Vanguard class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines carrying the Trident nuclear missile system (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Cyber attacks on nuclear weapons systems could lead to the 'inadvertent' launch of missiles, 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.

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.

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“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.

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.