DHS AI Roadmap Emphasizes Cybersecurity and National Safety
Introduction
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently launched its inaugural Roadmap for AI as a crucial step in governmental efforts to ensure the secure development and implementation of AI capabilities. The move aligns with President Biden’s recent Executive Order.
Statement from Secretary Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “DHS has a broad leadership role in advancing the responsible use of AI, and this cybersecurity roadmap is one important element of our work. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that promotes innovation and technological progress.”
DHS’ Cybersecurity Roadmap Details
The roadmap outlines five strategic lines of effort, providing a blueprint for concrete initiatives and a responsible approach to integrating AI into cybersecurity.
Strategic Lines of Effort
- Responsibly use AI to support our mission: CISA commits to using AI-enabled tools ethically and responsibly to strengthen cyber defense and support its critical infrastructure mission. The adoption of AI will align with constitutional principles and all relevant laws and policies.
- Assess and Assure AI systems: CISA will assess and assist in secure AI-based software adoption across various stakeholders, establishing assurance through best practices and guidance for secure and resilient AI development.
- Protect critical infrastructure from malicious use of AI: CISA will evaluate and recommend mitigation of AI threats to critical infrastructure, collaborating 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 will contribute to interagency efforts, support policy approaches for the US government’s national strategy on cybersecurity and AI, and coordinate with international partners to advance global AI security practices.
- Expand AI expertise in our workforce: CISA will educate its workforce on 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.
Expert Opinions
Joseph Thacker, an AI and security researcher at AppOmni, commented, “The roadmap is pretty 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. CISA’s ability to keep up may depend on their ability to get talent or train internal folks. Both of those are difficult to accomplish at scale.”
Conclusion and Next Steps
CISA invites stakeholders, partners, and the public to explore the Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence and gain insights into the strategic vision for AI technology and cybersecurity here.
Related Resources
Google expands partnership with Anthropic to enhance AI safety
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with Cyber Security & Cloud Expo and Digital Transformation Week.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
