National Security Agency Set To Launch An Artificial Intelligence Security Center
The initiation of an artificial intelligence security center was announced by the outgoing director of the National Security Agency, Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, on Thursday. The establishment of this center is deemed crucial as AI capabilities become increasingly integrated into U.S. defense and intelligence systems. Gen. Nakasone revealed that the center would be integrated into the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, where efforts are focused on fortifying the U.S. defense-industrial base against threats, particularly from adversaries such as China and Russia.
Addressing the audience at the National Press Club, Nakasone emphasized the significance of the United States’ current advantage in AI but cautioned against taking it for granted, highlighting the threat from Beijing. Regarding potential interference in the 2024 U.S. presidential elections by Russia or China, Nakasone stated that there haven’t been any detections yet. He affirmed the commitment to collaborate with partners and allies globally to deter any such efforts.
As cyber operations by China targeting U.S. and allied institutions intensify, Nakasone responded to queries about using AI for threat analysis and alerts. He acknowledged the role of AI in assisting but underscored that ultimate decisions are made by humans, emphasizing the importance of human involvement in the decision-making process.
The establishment of the AI security center comes on the heels of an NSA study identifying securing AI models from theft and sabotage as a significant national security challenge. Nakasone outlined the center’s role as the NSA’s focal point for leveraging foreign intelligence insights, contributing to the development of best practices, guidelines, principles, evaluation methodology, and risk frameworks for AI security. The center will actively collaborate with U.S. industry, national labs, academia, the Department of Defense, and international partners.
Gen. Nakasone, who has led both the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command since May 2018, is set to be succeeded by Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, his current deputy, in the dual leadership role overseeing U.S. cyber-defense and offense, as well as signals intelligence gathering through telecommunications surveillance.