AI Security Center Maintains DOD

at the Vanguard of Quickly Developing Technologies

 

The National Security Agency‘s director stated that the Defense Department’s endeavors to remain at the forefront of swiftly evolving technology are benefiting from the establishment of the agency’s new Artificial Intelligence Security Center.

The security center has become essential, according to Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, who is also in charge of U.S. Cyber Command, as the organization looks for new methods to use, adapt, and defend against AI technology.

Haugh stated at a Billington Cybersecurity Summit event in Washington yesterday, “One area that we see as really being able to provide value is focusing on the security of that technology  thinking about it through both the lens of the protection of intellectual property but also how we think about defending those models to ensure that they’re being used properly.”

The center was established last year by Haugh’s predecessor, Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, who consolidated the agency’s diverse artificial intelligence and security-related initiatives.

It acts as the NSA’s main hub for creating risk frameworks, assessment methods, and best practices in order to encourage the safe integration of new AI capabilities throughout the military industry and the national security sector.

Haugh said NSA also plays a critical role in shaping the government’s efforts to better understand the risk of AI in the hands of adversaries and defending against those risks.

U.S. officials have emphasized the increasing role AI is having in shaping the national security landscape, and they’ve taken steps to shape the future of the emerging technology.

Last year, DOD released its strategy to accelerate the adoption of advanced AI capabilities to ensure U.S. warfighters maintain decision superiority on the battlefield for years to come.

The Pentagon’s 2023 Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy builds upon years of DOD leadership in the development of AI and further solidifies the United States’ competitive advantage in fielding the emerging technology, defense officials said in releasing the blueprint.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks underlined the Pentagon’s dedication to accountability and safety while leading the AI frontier in her announcement of the plan.In an effort to further codify standards for the appropriate use of the technology, the United States has also introduced a political declaration on the responsible military use of artificial intelligence.

Haugh said the agency also remains at the forefront in shaping DOD’s use of the technology, with a keen focus on responsibility.  

He added that NSA brings a unique perspective from within the U.S. government to responsibly shape the future of AI.