Sellafield nuclear waste dump to be prosecuted over alleged IT security offences

28 March 2024 , 11:45

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The Sellafield nuclear power plant in Cumbria (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Sellafield, the nuclear site in Cumbria, is set to face legal action over claims of IT security offences, according to the nuclear industry regulator.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has informed Sellafield Ltd, which operates the site, about the prosecution under the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003. The charges are linked to alleged IT security breaches that occurred between 2019 and early 2023.

However, the ONR reassured that public safety was not at risk due to these issues. The site is managed by Sellafield Ltd under the Government's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

In December, following an investigation by The Guardian, Sellafield dismissed reports that its IT networks had been targeted by cyber groups from Russia and China.

The ONR confirmed that the decision to take legal action came after an investigation, with details of the first court hearing to be announced soon.

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