Cyber Threats and Nuclear Weapons

Herbert Lin is Senior Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation and Hank J. Holland Fellow at Stanford University.

"Perhaps the only thing more frightening than nuclear weapons is the thought of those weapons being connected to modern software systems. Herbert Lin, an expert in both realms, has written a sobering, enlightening book that should be required reading for all those thinking about the security of these weapons in the internet age."—Jim Waldo, Former Distinguished Engineer, Sun Labs "Herbert Lin is one of this country's leading experts on nuclear and cyber issues. In this important book, he provides a careful but chilling analysis of the risks we face in efforts to modernize the nuclear enterprise. Cyber Threats and Nuclear Weapons should be read carefully in Washington." —Joseph S. Nye, Jr, Harvard University "In this wide-ranging and well-crafted book, Herbert Lin wisely encapsulates his careful analysis in a series of easy-to-digest observations, with the policy imperatives that flow from them. The result is a guide for policy makers as they cope with the hair-raising prospect of nuclear modernization amidst increasing cyber risk."—Rose Gottemoeller, Former Deputy Secretary General of NATO "Lin's purpose in writing this excellent book is to acknowledge the new and sobering reality that computerization makes nuclear weapons much less secure than readers might assume. Highly recommended."—J. A. Stever, CHOICE June 2022 "an informative read for novices and experts alike."—Melissa K. Griffith, Survival: Global Politics and Strategy "Throughout Cyber Threats and Nuclear Weapons, Herbert Lin skillfully highlights cybersecurity challenges associated with nuclear command, control, and communication (NC3) digitalization and modernization efforts.... [S]enior DoD officials, senior service military leaders, and especially cyber and NC3 professionals should read the excellent arguments Lin outlines in this book. Doing so will help inform the best path forward as the US looks to modernize and digitize the entire NC3."—Ken Roberts, H-War

• 1. Introduction and Background2. The Cyber-Nuclear Connection3. The U.S. Nuclear Enterprise4. Cybersecurity Lessons for Nuclear Modernization5. Cyber Risks in Selected Nuclear Scenarios6. Designing the Cyber-Nuclear Future: Observations and Imperatives7. Moving Forward