France: EDF subcontractor steals computers, security in question

Computers containing potentially sensitive data have been stolen from EDF subcontractor Endel in Marseille, raising concerns about information security in the nuclear sector.

Share:

La centrale de Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux dans le Loir-et-Cher

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Last weekend, several computers were stolen from the premises of Endel, a company specializing in the maintenance of parts for nuclear power plants.
The theft was discovered on Monday morning without any apparent forced entry, as confirmed by EDF and sources from France 3 and Le Figaro.
Some fifteen computers disappeared, triggering an investigation for “theft from a warehouse of goods, valuables or merchandise”.

Disappearance of sensitive data

The EDF spokesman claims that no sensitive data has been compromised.
However, a source close to the case disputes this statement, indicating that these computers do indeed contain sensitive information without specifying its nature.
This disagreement highlights the complexity and potential seriousness of the incident, raising questions about data management and protection in the nuclear sector.

Context and safety implications

Endel, a former subsidiary of Engie, has belonged to the Altrad group since 2022 and specializes in industrial maintenance.
The theft in Marseille’s 8th arrondissement raises questions about the security protocols in place and the vulnerability of data shared between EDF and its subcontractors.
Protecting information is crucial in the energy sector, particularly in the nuclear industry.

Survey and outlook

Local authorities have launched an investigation to understand the circumstances of the theft and determine the exact nature of the compromised data.
A source close to the investigation confirms the theft, but declines to provide further details.
This incident highlights the need to continually improve security measures to protect sensitive information in the nuclear field.
The theft of computers from Endel underlines the importance of strengthening data security protocols in the nuclear sector.
This incident calls for heightened vigilance and reinforced protection measures for EDF and its subcontractors, to prevent any future compromise.
The results of the investigation and the actions taken by the parties involved will be closely monitored by the entire energy sector.

The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.