The Validation of Cryptographic Algorithms and Development of Block Ciphers with Electronic Code Book for a Control System at Nuclear Power Plants: A Scientific Approach

This study describes approaches for validating cryptographic algorithms that should be used continually at the crucial control system of I&C in Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). The digital system has many advantages and technical advances in the operation of many power plant systems. However, cybersecurity should be considered essential for stable operation of digital systems. NPPs have acknowledged the need of nuclear cybersecurity. Nuclear operating organizations along with associated systems manufacturing organizations, design companies, and regulatory agencies are looking at techniques to prepare for nuclear cybersecurity according to regulatory guidelines and security-related standards issued by regulatory agencies around the world, including the IAEA, NRC, and KINAC. To meet nuclear cybersecurity standards, cryptographic algorithms must be developed and deployed. Validation programs are created in the PLC, a crucial component of an NPP's I&C, using the suggested schemes, and the validation program is validated by simulation results. The approaches suggested in this paper may offer guidance for Cryptographic Module Validation Modeling for Control Systems in NPPs, as there hasn't been any work done on developing a cryptographic algorithm validation program for crucial digital systems of NPPs. Specifically, program codes and validation models are introduced together with specific testing methodologies for ECB mode-based block ciphers among many CMVP.