Security Breaches at UK’s “Nuclear Police” Reach Eight-Year High
Security breaches within the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), responsible for safeguarding nuclear power stations from potential terrorist threats, have surged to their highest level in eight years, according to revelations by The Sun on Sunday.
Last year, the CNC reported a total of 37 cases of security breaches, marking an alarming increase. These incidents included thefts of uniforms, confidential documents, an officer’s diary, and three “classified” Microsoft computer tablets.
Among the breaches, 12 instances of personal data compromise were identified, along with 19 cases of staff losing their warrant or identification cards. The CNC, a distinct UK force with over 1,100 officers, is unique due to its training of all officers in firearm use and lethal force deployment.
The force’s primary mission is to safeguard ten civilian nuclear sites and ensure the security of materials during transportation. Responding to the situation, the CNC affirmed its deep commitment to addressing security concerns, boasting a strong process to manage reported breaches.
The majority of reported security incidents were categorized as “low level,” primarily consisting of errors like “mistyping an email address or sending a document with the wrong security classification.”
Notably, all the stolen items were taken from vehicles. The stolen tablets contained classified information and were both encrypted and promptly wiped, the CNC stated.
Thefts of the diary and uniform occurred during two separate incidents involving thieves accessing unmarked vehicles parked at service stations. Lynn Jamieson, Chairwoman of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, expressed concerns about the CNC’s ability to handle terrorist threats following the loss of data, IDs, and uniforms.