The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop artificial intelligence-driven cybersecurity solutions for nuclear power plants.
Sajedul Talukder, Ph.D., an assistant professor of computer science at UTEP, is serving as co-principal investigator for the project. The initiative addresses growing cybersecurity risks as nuclear plants become more dependent on digital systems and automation.
“Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges in energy and national security,” said Talukder. He noted that with increased reliance on digital technology, nuclear facilities face heightened threats from sophisticated cyberattacks.
The project is a collaboration between UTEP and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), led by Talukder and Syed Bahauddin Alam, Ph.D., assistant professor of nuclear, plasma and radiological engineering at UIUC.
According to Talukder, the research focuses on three main innovations for nuclear plant cybersecurity. The first involves restructuring plant networks so that each device and system has individual protection, rather than relying on a single perimeter defense. This layered approach is intended to limit attackers’ ability to move within the network.
The second innovation is an artificial intelligence-powered monitoring system. This system continuously monitors for unusual activity, whether from external cyberattacks or insider threats, and is designed to respond before any damage occurs.
The third element is a virtual testing environment, or digital twin, of critical nuclear plant systems. This allows researchers to simulate attacks and test defenses in a safe setting, ensuring resilience against both current and future threats.
“Together, these innovations shift nuclear cybersecurity from being reactive — waiting for attacks to happen — to being proactive,” Talukder said. “It’s an intelligent shield that adapts and evolves as quickly as the threats themselves.”
Ken Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering at UTEP, commented on the significance of the grant for the university. “For UTEP, this award places the University among an elite group of institutions helping to define the future of nuclear security and highlights our growing contribution to solving one of the nation’s toughest problems,” Meissner said. “This also reinforces UTEP’s reputation as a leader in research areas that sit at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and national security.”
The three-year project will also provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at UTEP to participate in advanced AI research.
