EU CBRN CoE P101
Enhancement of CBRN Critical Infrastructure
Protection and (Cyber)Security in the South-East and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle East regions
Funded by DSA Norway
P101 – Cyber-Physical Monitoring
(IT/OT) for RN Waste in Central Asia
Objectives
As part of the embedded additional activities under Project P101, a targeted initiative funded by DSA Norway focuses specifically on Radiological and Nuclear (RN) waste monitoring and security in Central Asia. This initiative supports the overall objectives of P101 by piloting advanced solutions for cyber-physical protection of RN-critical infrastructures, particularly in relation to legacy mining waste. It includes the development and deployment of a hybrid IT/OT digital twin platform, integrating real-time data, remote sensing, and scenario-based risk modeling. The activity further strengthens regional capacities through technical training, end-user engagement, and vulnerability assessments across four partner countries. These Norway-funded actions form a strategic extension of P101, enhancing both the technological scope and operational impact of the project.
Each Central Asia (CA) country will contribute to defining the activities linked to a pilot demonstration focused on the monitoring and control of Radiation and Nuclear (RN) waste originating from mining-related critical infrastructures in their region. The aim is to develop a hybrid IT/OT digital twin platform equipped with relevant sensors and processes to ensure cyber-resilient monitoring of RN-derived waste. CA countries will also participate in the design of this platform and its subsequent use for capacity building through targeted training activities.
Partner Countries
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Kazakhstan
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Tajikistan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Uzbekistan
Leading partner
International Science & Technology Center
The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) is an intergovernmental organization connecting scientists from Kazakhstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia with their peers and research organizations in the EU, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway and the United States. ISTC facilitates international science projects and assists the global scientific and business community to source and engage with CIS and Georgian institutes that develop or possess an excellence of scientific know-how.
ISTC's Scientific and Technological Partners
Starion / Nexova (Belgium)
Starion/Nexova key expertise is related to cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, specifically addressing the integration of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. One of the key elements is the importance of tailored training programs for OT systems and the management of cyber threats effectively. These programs include dynamic risk assessments, proactive policies, and situational awareness. By prioritizing threat intelligence, security protection optimization, and network management, organizations can better protect critical infrastructure by preparing them for potential threats. The emphasis on gathering key statistics and maintaining situational awareness helps to create a more resilient framework for defending OT systems against cyberattacks.
A Digital Twin and Emulation Platform allows for the creation of virtual models of physical operational environments. These digital twins are used to simulate real-world scenarios, enabling organizations to test and refine their cybersecurity strategies in a controlled environment. Users can conduct risk assessments and run scenario testing without affecting actual operations, ensuring that they are well-prepared for potential cyber incidents. The platform also serves as a powerful tool for organizations to optimize their protection strategies by providing virtual access to environments where cybersecurity measures can be tested, emulated, and improved in real-time.
While IT systems are generally designed to manage data, OT systems oversee physical processes and operations, making them highly sensitive to real-time requirements. Traditional IT security protocols are insufficient for protecting OT systems, which rely on continuous availability and can directly impact physical infrastructure if compromised. Failing to address the unique vulnerabilities of OT systems could result in severe consequences, such as physical damage to critical infrastructure or, in extreme cases, loss of life.
The growing interconnection between IT and OT systems provide new opportunities and challenges. While the integration of IT and OT allows for improved data analytics and operational efficiency, it also exposes OT systems to cyber threats previously associated only with IT networks. As OT systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks and the internet, they become vulnerable to cyberattacks. Many OT systems run on outdated or legacy technologies that are difficult to secure with traditional cybersecurity measures. As such, developing specialized strategies for defending these hybrid IT/OT environments is essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.
Geospatial Insight (Netherlands)
https://geospatial-insight.com
GSI (NL) Geospatial Insight is a leading provider of geo-intelligence services and software derived from the analysis of satellite, aerial and drone imagery. They apply advanced technologies, including machine learning, to produce evidence-based risk- relevant data and solutions that enabling decisions for early warning in our case here for mine tailing stability risks. GSI will carry out an evaluation of the ground movement for the locations of mine tailings and associated dams. The purpose of this is to assess risk tendencies in and around Rn associated mine tailings and potential, provide early warnings.
IDT (Luxembourg)
IDT (Lux) key expertise is on digital twin developments.
IDT Lux has large competence in the development of 3D simulation with modern technologies immersions often called virtual reality experience. These were used in combination with Cyber Range tools for the development of crisis visualization and decision-making platforms. IDT will contribute together with Starion/ Nexova in the definition of the user requirements for our DSA funded pilot platform demonstration. commercialization.
The objective is that these tools are used for training on organization, structuring and collating data for crisis management; during a crisis to secure the transmission of data across the chain in real time and after the crisis to trace the evolution of the situation on the ground as well as to support actions taken by the crisis centre.