Security experts warn about UK's nuclear Trident submarines: 'the vulnerability to cyberattacks is real'

A report published by the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) cautions that the UK's fleet of Trident submarines faces "growing potential for cyber-attack." The authors issue a stark warning that "a successful attack could neutralise operations, lead to loss of life, defeat or perhaps even the catastrophic exchange of nuclear warheads."

Government officials have long dismissed the risk of hacking the nuclear subs because they are not connected to the internet. But the report, entitled Hacking UK Trident: A Growing Threat, suggests that risk of malware infection during manufacturing or software updating are just two possible attack vectors that could lead to the compromise of nuclear weapons.

Authors Stanislav Abaimov and Paul Ingram say that claims that the air-gapping of the subs makes them immune to hacking are "patently false and complacent." The UK has four submarines that carry nuclear weapons, and the report suggests that there are multiple attack vectors that could be used to wreak havoc.

While there is virtually zero chance of a rogue state being able to hack into a nuclear sub while it is out at sea, the report points out:

Trident's sensitive cyber systems are not connected to the internet or any other civilian network. Nevertheless, the vessel, missiles, warheads and all the various support systems rely on networked computers, devices and software, and each of these have to be designed and programmed. All of them incorporate unique data and must be regularly upgraded, reconfigured and patched.

There are also other ways in which the subs could be attacked. "Regular radio-transmissions from ashore could be used for limited bandwidth cyber-attacks, spoofing or activating pre-installed malware programs."

BASIC says that it is simply not possible to eliminate the threat of cyberattacks, but they can be reduced with investment in protection. The thinktank's real aim, however is "dialogue-based approach to encourage stable global nuclear disarmament."

You can check out the full report on the BASIC website.

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