Cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency CISA has published a roadmap for the safe and responsible use of AI.
This follows President Joe Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence last month.
“In last month’s Executive Order, the President called on DHS to promote the adoption of AI safety standards globally and help ensure the safe, secure, and responsible use and development of AI,” said Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security.
“CISA’s roadmap lays out the steps that the agency will take as part of our Department’s broader efforts to both leverage AI and mitigate its risks to our critical infrastructure and cyber defenses”, he added.
Initially, the organization will conscientiously employ AI to fortify cyber defense in adherence to relevant laws and policies, encompassing those governing federal procurement, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
Subsequently, there will be an evaluation of AI systems to ensure they are inherently secure. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of safe AI practices across federal civilian government agencies, private sector entities, and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. CISA will pioneer the development of best practices for secure AI deployment and formulate recommendations for red-teaming generative AI.
Thirdly, the organization will actively engage with companies to safeguard critical infrastructure against malicious AI applications. Collaboration will revolve around identifying and addressing threats, vulnerabilities, and effective mitigations.
Furthermore, it will establish collaborative channels with other agencies, international partners, and the public to devise policy approaches concerning the intersection of security and AI.
“Our Roadmap for AI, focused at the nexus of AI, cyber defense, and critical infrastructure, sets forth an agency-wide plan to promote the beneficial uses of AI to enhance cybersecurity capabilities; ensure AI systems are protected from cyber-based threats; and deter the malicious use of AI capabilities to threaten the critical infrastructure Americans rely on every day”, said Jen Easterly, director of CISA.
And lastly, a key focus will be on expanding the pool of qualified AI professionals within its workforce. This will be achieved through educational initiatives covering AI systems and techniques, coupled with strategic recruitment of individuals possessing the requisite expertise. The internal training program will not only encompass the technical dimensions of AI but will also address the legal, ethical, and policy considerations.
