A physical unclonable neutron sensor for nuclear arms control inspections

Abstract

Classical sensor security relies on cryptographic algorithms executed on trusted hardware. This approach has significant shortcomings, however. Hardware can be manipulated, including below transistor level, and cryptographic keys are at risk of extraction attacks. A further weakness is that sensor media themselves are assumed to be trusted, and any authentication and encryption is done ex situ and a posteriori. Here we propose and demonstrate a different approach to sensor security that does not rely on classical cryptography and trusted electronics. We designed passive sensor media that inherently produce secure and trustworthy data, and whose honest and non-malicious nature can be easily established. As a proof-of-concept, we manufactured and characterized the properties of non-electronic, physical unclonable, optically complex media sensitive to neutrons for use in a high-security scenario: the inspection of a military facility to confirm the absence or presence of nuclear weapons and fissile materials.

Quantum Key Distribution for Critical Infrastructures: Towards Cyber-Physical Security for Hydropower and Dams

“…Frequencies f ∼(0.5-30) Prior to describing our main objective, we note that the application of QKD in hydropower and dam facilities is driven by their specific operational characteristics and security challenges, notably the need for secure remote operations and the integration of cyber-physical systems. This focus differentiates their security requirements from those of other critical infrastructures such as nuclear sites, where physical security plays a more dominant role [33]. Also noteworthy in this focus is that the convergence of QKD with advanced sensing technologies presents a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity and physical integrity.…”