News Release

INL to host advanced nuclear cybersecurity and resilience summit in Utah

August 17, 2026

By INL Media Relations

(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) – The Idaho National Laboratory will host the second annual A/SMR Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience Summit Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Thursday, Aug. 20 in Park City, Utah, bringing together leaders from across government and industry to address cybersecurity and resilience challenges facing advanced nuclear energy.

The two-day summit will focus on integrating cybersecurity into the design, deployment and operation of advanced and small modular reactors.

Two individuals looking at a computer screen
Nuclear operators, cybersecurity professionals and other participants work through realistic attack scenarios in INL test bench environments, learning to recognize vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses.

Federal agencies, national laboratories, utilities, reactor developers and cybersecurity experts will explore emerging cybersecurity frameworks, tools and best practices to support the secure deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Topics will include secure reactor design and operation, cybersecurity risk, and supply chain integrity.

“The pace of advanced nuclear development makes it increasingly important that we address security and resilience alongside innovation,” said INL Nuclear Nonproliferation Division Director J’Tia Hart. “This summit gives us an opportunity to bring the right people together, tackle shared challenges and make meaningful progress toward the secure deployment of these technologies.”

three individuals in a room with numerous computer screens
INL’s video assessment and surveillance test bench demonstrates how cyberattacks can manipulate security camera feeds, helping participants understand how digital compromises can enable physical intrusions.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who will discuss the state’s growing partnership with INL, the U.S. Department of Energy and industry to advance the secure deployment of advanced nuclear technologies
  • Harry Wingo, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at Circadence and former deputy national cyber director, who brings extensive experience in national security and cybersecurity policy
  • James Beardsley, acting deputy director of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Division of Physical and Cyber Security, whose work includes cybersecurity policy, licensing and oversight for Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees.

Members of the media are welcome to contact INL for additional information about the A/SMR Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience Summit.

Click here for more information.

What: A/SMR Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience Summit

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 20

Where: Park City, Utah

Two researchers pointing at the spent fuel pool cooling system test bench
INL’s spent fuel pool cooling system test bench replicates equipment found at commercial nuclear power plants, allowing participants to explore how cyberattacks could affect critical systems and practice detection and recovery strategies.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sarah Lusk, 208-526-0976, sarah.lusk@inl.gov
Sarah Neumann, 208-520-1651, sarah.neumann@inl.gov

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About Idaho National Laboratory

Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov.

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