SCK CEN continuously invests in security
Worldwide, nuclear institutions are making efforts to strongly secure their sites, both physically and digitally. As are we, at the nuclear research centre SCK CEN. In recent years, we have implemented numerous security measures and invested heavily in security and trained personnel. This is not a one-time commitment: we are constantly investing and striving for continuous improvement in security. To ensure security, we never share detailed information about related measures, procedures or staffing levels. So this web page will not go into detail, but it does show our commitment to maintaining the highest security standards.
We, at SCK CEN, take our responsibility to fulfil our legal obligations regarding security and ensure the security of our physical and digital premises. Our security not only protects our business information. It also ensures that only authorised, trained people can come into contact with radioactive materials and nuclear knowledge is used only for peaceful applications. Furthermore, our security system ensures that access to our site and documents is highly controlled and managed to resist sabotage, theft or other forms of malicious actions.
Detect, delay, respond
Our security strategy conforms to the Royal Decree of 17 October 2011, and uses the defence-in-depth principle. It combines multiple layers of defence and several types of security measures to ensure security. For example, we installed several redundant detection and delay systems, thorough access controls, trained security personnel and a response force. This is how we build certainty into our security: we avoid having our security strategy depend on a single measure at a single location.
Those preventative security measures – in the event of a possible, potential intruder – serve three purposes: detect, delay and neutralise. Our security system is designed to detect threats as quickly as possible, to slow down unauthorised access to our infrastructure by means of barriers, and to act quickly.
Advanced and secure ICT infrastructure
We also count our digital environment as 'our territory'. This is why we have particular regard to an advanced and highly secure ICT infrastructure. Again, we apply the defence-in-depth principle. We also have our own information security office, which watches over the whole thing. In addition, commercial partners as well as government actors support us in enhancing our cyber resilience. With our appropriate measures, we ensure that a cyber incident cannot lead to a radiological incident.
Official recognition by FANC
Operators are required by law to conduct a thorough analysis of identified threat scenarios. This must also take into account a possible insider threat: an employee using their authorised access to cause damage to the research centre. This information is contained in an accreditation file and translated into appropriate on-site measures to maximise site security.
In 2019, we were honoured to receive official recognition from the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) for our efforts. This was preceded by a rigorous audit. FANC meticulously checked every description in the accreditation file, held technical meetings and made several site visits.
Periodic security exercises
Strong security begins with physical measures, but it does not end there. The credo of the security industry is 'keep practising'. To master these skills, SCK CEN frequently organises table-top exercises – exercises without actions in the field – and field exercises. FANC also keeps its fingers on the pulse and schedules periodic inspections.
1,000 pairs of eyes
Although it is not only the official agencies that make the surveillance concept succeed. Security is alive and well among our employees. With them, we have a thousand extra pairs of eyes to keep an eye on things.
Perceptible security measures for local residents and visitors
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Final closure of Boeretang
In 2016, the Boeretang was permanently closed to through traffic. The street is accessible only to badge-holders. This measure resulted in less traffic and thus more control over who passes through the site.
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Separate sites for VITO and SCK CEN
In 1991, SCK CEN – following a government decision – transferred its non-nuclear activities to the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO). The research was split in two, and so was the company site. There was a strict separation between the two areas.
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New main entrance
In 2025, SCK CEN will commission its new main entrance. This new main entrance strengthens our access controls and completes the strict separation of VITO and SCK CEN.
Royal Decree of 17 October 2011
The first wave of security emerged after the 9/11 attacks, with a second wave after the terrorist acts in Paris and Brussels. There was a growing need for an overarching regulatory framework. Under diplomatic pressure from the United States, that need was filled and this framework was embedded internationally. On 17 October 2011, four Royal Decrees appeared in the Belgian Official Gazette on the physical security of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities. In practice, these four RDs constitute the regulatory framework for the physical protection of nuclear material, nuclear facilities and nuclear transport.
- Royal Decree of 17 October 2011 on the physical security of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities (View the RD);
- Royal Decree of 17 October 2011 on the categorisation and definition of security zones at nuclear facilities and nuclear transport companies (View the RD);
- Royal Decree of 17 October 2011 on security certificates for the nuclear sector and regulating access to security zones, nuclear material or nuclear documents in certain special circumstances (View the RD);
- Royal Decree of 17 October 2011 on the categorisation and protection of nuclear documents (View the RD).
In addition, on 17 March 2024, the RD on the security of radioactive materials and certain nuclear materials was published. This RD enters into force on 1 July 2024 and will also trigger some updates to the existing security system at SCK CEN (View the RD).