Plutonium

Plutonium, a threat actor with potentially global implications, has been involved in several critical incidents. The group's activities have been traced back to the 1960s when alleged Israeli scientists visited NUMEC, claiming to obtain plutonium-238 for non-nuclear projects. The lack of stringent regulations from the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) during this period made it challenging to track potential losses or misuse of nuclear materials. Furthermore, the AEC did not require security clearances for all personnel handling nuclear material, as per Glenn Seaborg, former AEC chairman. This lax regulatory environment may have facilitated Plutonium's access to these dangerous resources. In recent years, the threat posed by Plutonium has become increasingly alarming. North Korea has reportedly begun operating a light-water reactor at its primary nuclear complex, potentially securing a new source for weapons-grade plutonium. Simultaneously, there are concerns about the security of Sellafield, the site with the planet's largest store of plutonium and a repository for nuclear waste. As early as 2015, advanced persistent threats (APTs) backed by Russia and China have breached Sellafield's IT systems, an issue that has allegedly been consistently covered up by senior staff. Looking forward, the situation remains fraught. Kim Jong-un's vow to ramp up production of plutonium and uranium suggests further escalation. The operation of a new reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex could provide another source of plutonium for nuclear weapons, exacerbating the threat. Considering these developments, it is crucial to address the risks posed by Plutonium and other such threat actors urgently and effectively.