The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched his inaugural roadmap for artificial intelligence.
Seen as a critical step in the broader government effort to ensure the safe development and application of artificial intelligence capabilities, the move aligns with President Biden’s recent executive order.
“DHS has broad leadership in promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and this cybersecurity roadmap is an important element of our work,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that fosters innovation and technological progress.”
According to the Executive Order, DHS is mandated to advance AI security standards worldwide, protect US critical networks and infrastructure, and address AI-related risks, including its potential use “to create weapons of mass destruction”.
“In last month’s executive order, the President called on DHS to advance the adoption of AI security standards worldwide and help ensure the safe, secure, and responsible use and development of AI,” Mayorkas added.
“CISA’s roadmap sets out the steps the agency will take as part of our Department’s broader efforts to both leverage artificial intelligence and mitigate risks to our critical infrastructure and cyber defenses.”
The CISA Roadmap outlines five strategic lines of effort, providing a blueprint for specific initiatives and a responsible approach to integrating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity.
CISA director Jen Easterly highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence, recognizing its promise to enhance cyber security while recognizing the enormous risks it poses.
“Artificial Intelligence holds enormous promise for enhancing our nation’s cybersecurity, but as the most powerful technology of our lifetime, it also presents enormous risks,” commented Easterly.
“Our AI roadmap – focused on connecting AI, cyber defense and critical infrastructure – presents an organization-wide plan to advance the beneficial uses of AI to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities. ensure that AI systems are protected from cyber-based threats; and prevent the malicious use of AI capabilities to threaten the critical infrastructure that Americans rely on every day.”
The lines of effort outlined are as follows:
- Use AI responsibly to support our mission: CISA is committed to using tools that support artificial intelligence ethically and responsibly to strengthen cyber defenses and support mission critical infrastructure. The adoption of artificial intelligence will be aligned with constitutional principles and all relevant laws and policies.
- Evaluate and assure AI systems: CISA will assess and assist in the safe adoption of AI-based software by various stakeholders, establishing assurance through best practices and guidance for safe and resilient AI deployment.
- Protecting critical infrastructure from malicious AI use: CISA will assess and recommend mitigation of AI threats to critical infrastructure, in collaboration with government agencies and industry partners. The establishment of JCDC.AI aims to facilitate focused collaboration on AI-related threats.
- Collaborate and communicate on key AI efforts: CISA is committed to contributing to interagency efforts, supporting policy approaches to the US government’s national strategy for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and coordinating with international partners to advance global AI security practices.
- Expand AI expertise in our workforce: CISA will train its workforce in AI systems and techniques, actively recruiting individuals with AI expertise and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the legal, ethical and policy aspects of AI-based software systems.
“This is a step in the right direction. It shows that the government is taking the potential threats and benefits of artificial intelligence seriously. The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy for leveraging artificial intelligence to improve cyber security, protect critical infrastructure and promote collaboration. It also emphasizes the importance of security in the design and development of AI systems,” explains Joseph Thacker, AI and security researcher at AppOmni.
“The roadmap is quite comprehensive. Nothing stands out as missing initially, although the devil is in the details when it comes to security, and even more so when it comes to a completely new technology. A CISA’s ability to keep up may depend on its ability to acquire talent or train people internally. Both are difficult to achieve at scale.”
CISA invites stakeholders, partners and the public to explore the Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and gain insights into the strategic vision for AI and cybersecurity here.
See also: Google expands partnership with Anthropic to improve AI security
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