CISA and The UK NCSC Unveil Groundbreaking AI Security Guidelines
In a remarkable display of international cooperation, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have joined forces with 23 cybersecurity organisations to introduce the “Guidelines for Secure AI System Development.” These guidelines represent a significant advancement in addressing the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure.
Introducing the #AISecurityGuidelines – a landmark piece of guidance putting cyber security at the core of the AI systems of the future.
The newly unveiled guidelines align seamlessly with the US Voluntary Commitments on Ensuring Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI and underscore the importance of adhering to the “Secure by Design” approach. This approach places a premium on ensuring that customers receive secure outcomes while advocating for radical transparency, accountability, and a structural framework where safe design reigns supreme.
What sets these guidelines apart is their applicability to various A.I. systems, not limited to cutting-edge models. They offer invaluable suggestions and mitigations to aid data scientists, developers, managers, decision-makers, and risk owners in making well-informed choices throughout the AI system development lifecycle. The guidelines extend their reach to all providers of A.I. systems, whether they host their models internally or rely on external application programming interfaces.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
These guidelines champion a holistic perspective on AI security, fostering a sense of collective responsibility among stakeholders. Prioritising customer security outcomes marks a paradigm shift, urging organisations to integrate security considerations at every stage of AI development. Radical transparency and accountability principles guide organisations to communicate openly about their AI systems’ functionality and potential risks. Organisational structures endorsed by the guidelines prioritise secure design, creating a culture where stakeholders actively safeguard AI systems against evolving cyber threats.
Engaging All Stakeholders
While primarily targeted at AI system providers, the guidelines invite a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including data scientists, developers, managers, decision-makers, and risk owners, to delve into their content. Beyond the technical aspects, these guidelines champion public engagement, highlighting CISA’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. Simultaneously, CISA has unveiled the “Roadmap for AI,” outlining its strategic vision for AI technology and cybersecurity. Public engagement becomes paramount in shaping the future landscape of AI security as diverse perspectives contribute to a more resilient and adaptive approach.
A Milestone Collaboration
The joint effort between CISA and the UK NCSC represents a pivotal milestone in addressing the challenges arising from the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. As the “Guidelines for Secure AI System Development” take centre stage, the call for collective responsibility reverberates through the document. How can stakeholders actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue on secure AI development, and what role can public engagement play in shaping the future of AI technology and cybersecurity?
This collaborative initiative lays the foundation for a more secure and responsible A.I. landscape, reflecting a commitment to harnessing the transformative power of A.I. while mitigating its potential risks. It exemplifies a global dedication to fostering transparency, accountability, and secure practices in developing and deploying A.I. systems, ensuring that cybersecurity is not an afterthought but an integral part of the A.I. journey.
To explore the “Guidelines for Secure AI System Development” and learn more about CISA’s strategic vision for AI and cybersecurity, visit CISA.gov/AI. Join the conversation and be part of shaping the future of AI security.
