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 Industrikraft consortium will invest SEK400mn ($42.2mn) to become a shareholder in Videberg Kraft, marking a new phase in Sweden’s nuclear project led by Vattenfall on the Värö Peninsula.
MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
The delivery of nuclear fuel by Russian subsidiary TVEL to the Da Lat research reactor marks a key step in strengthening the nuclear commercial partnership between Moscow and Hanoi.
US supplier X-energy has formalised a graphite supply contract with Japan's Toyo Tanso for the construction of its first four small modular reactors, in partnership with Dow and backed by the US Department of Energy.
US-based Enveniam has signed an agreement with LIS Technologies Inc. to oversee the design and construction of a new laser-based uranium enrichment facility on American soil.
Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.
A consortium led by Swedish giants such as ABB, SSAB and Volvo will invest SEK400mn to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors through a strategic partnership with Vattenfall.
Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.
Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.
Sweden’s parliament has approved a major reform authorising uranium extraction, opening the door to a reassessment of the economic potential of mining projects containing this strategic mineral.
South Africa's regulator has authorised Koeberg Unit 2 to operate until 2045 following maintenance work and a long-term safety assessment.
French nuclear group Orano has confirmed the release of its representative in Niger, detained since May, as tensions remain high with the country’s junta over control of uranium assets.
EDF launches a sovereign digital platform to secure data exchanges between nuclear stakeholders, aiming to accelerate the construction of future EPR2 reactors.
ONE Nuclear Energy publishes a virtual presentation for investors detailing its industrial vision, ahead of its merger with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII expected in the first half of 2026.
A majority of Americans now back nuclear energy, with strong approval for converting coal plants into nuclear sites and increasing public investment in sector technologies.
Alfa Laval extends its cooperation with EDF to supply heat exchangers for EPR2 projects across three nuclear sites, reinforcing its position in the French nuclear sector.
Hadron Energy formalises its regulatory plan with U.S. nuclear authorities ahead of its $1.2bn merger with GigCapital7, relying on early compliance to accelerate the commercial deployment of its microreactor.
The International Atomic Energy Agency denounces the ongoing inspection blockage at several damaged Iranian nuclear facilities, where stocks of highly enriched uranium remain.
Orano is testing an artificial intelligence-equipped robot for four months at its Melox site to assess its ability to assist in sensitive and repetitive industrial operations.

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.