IG/GETTY ISIS hackers could target nuclear power plants, the UN has warned

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The UN’s nuclear watchdog warned that Islamist hackers will increasingly target what they see as vulnerable installations as they attempt to wreak maximum carnage on the continent. Their warning came after it emerged that an unnamed nuclear power plant was targeted by a militant cyber attack two years ago which caused disruption to its operations.

The furore comes after British prime minister Theresa May approved the building of a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point by the Chinese, after initially appearing to falter over the deal. It has also emerged that the Brussels bombers, who targeted the Belgian capital’s airport, had previously researched trying to take out a nuclear power plant in the country.

IG The terror group is increasingly looking to carry out attacks abroad

GETTY Theresa May recently signed off on a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point

During a visit to Germany the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed how in one instance a terrorist had tried to smuggle highly enriched uranium out of a power plant that could have been used to build a "dirty bomb". Yukiya Amano warned: "This is not an imaginary risk. This issue of cyber attacks on nuclear-related facilities or activities should be taken very seriously. “We never know if we know everything or if it's the tip of the iceberg." Concerns about cyber attacks on nuclear sites have grown in recent years after the emergence of computer malware that can be used to attack industrial controls.

ISIS is known to have a dedicated division of computer boffins devoted to spreading the terror group’s vile propaganda abroad, which could be used to attempt hacking operations. Military experts have warned that, as the jihadis’ influence and territory continues to collapse in the Middle East, it will increasingly turn to overseas atrocities to maintain its relevance. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co Ltd, which operates 23 nuclear reactors in South Korea, has already pledged to beef its up cyber security after non-critical data was stolen from its computer systems, although reactor operations were not at risk. And in April this year, German utility firm RWE increased its security after its Gundremmingen nuclear power plant was found to be infected with computer viruses. The company said they did not appear to have posed a threat to operations.

The fight against ISIS Fri, November 18, 2016 The battle against ISIS militants (also abbreviated as Daesh, ISIL, IS and Islamic State) continues in the Middle East. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 183 Forces battle against ISIS