IAEA Seeks Papers for CyberCon26 Nuclear Security

Interested contributors have until 30 September 2025 to submit abstracts for the IAEA's International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World: Securing the Future, or CyberCon26.

Information and computer-based systems are widely used in the nuclear sector and must be properly secured against malicious attacks.

The conference aims to provide a global forum for competent authorities, operators and other relevant entities engaged in computer security activities related to nuclear security or safety to share experiences, exchange information and foster international cooperation. It will be hosted in Vienna, Austria from 11 to 15 May 2026 and will build on previous events held in 2015 and 2023.

"The conference will focus on securing the future through development of appropriate strategies and competencies, including for emerging technologies," said Trent Nelson, scientific secretary of the conference. "The conference will provide opportunities for fostering international cooperation in the field."

The conference will address the following themes:

• computer security's place in the nuclear sector and beyond
• regulatory frameworks
• capacity and competency management for computer security and sustainability
• threats and risks
• computer security by design
• computer security impact of new digital technologies

"Even though we are seeing an increasing awareness of cyber risks and their potential impact on nuclear security, there is room for further enhancing the understanding that information and computer security is essential for protecting critical nuclear infrastructure and materials," he added.

The IAEA has developed detailed nuclear security guidance to assist countries in their national efforts to establish computer security as an integral element of nuclear security. Currently, the IAEA's Nuclear Security Series includes four publications on the topic.

How to submit an abstract