Cybersecurity Breach Temporarily Halts IPEN Radioisotope Production

January 23, 2026

INCIDENT

The Brazilian research Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) in São Paulo suffered a cyberattack. IPEN/CNEN temporarily halted the production and supply of critical radioisotopes and radiofármacos, substances used across Brazil for medical diagnostics and cancer treatments. Production resumed in early April. Officials emphasized that the physical, radiological, and nuclear safety of the institute’s facilities was not compromised at any point.

Incident Date

March 28, 2025

Location

Brazil

Estimated Cost

Production halted 13 days

Type of Malware

No Malware identified

Threat Source

No threat source identified