The Threat attacks capable of exploiting vulnerabilities in the UK’s CNI and causing some limited disruption are therefore likely to increase if defences are deficient. W ith dr aw n 24. As the threat increases so too must the industry’s ability to defend itself. Over time, exploitation of cyber vulnerabilities in the UK’s civil nuclear sector, either to access and remove sensitive information or support more complex attacks will become more likely as will the potential for greater resultant impact. Compromises could result in reputational damage for the Government and the civil nuclear industry in the UK, including a loss of public confidence in civil nuclear (which could seriously damage the UK’s economic wellbeing). 12