WASHINGTON – In a significant move towards addressing the nexus of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have jointly unveiled Guidelines for Secure AI System Development. These guidelines, crafted in collaboration with 21 international agencies and ministries, including all members of the Group of 7 major industrial economies, mark a historic global consensus.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the pivotal role of cybersecurity in developing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems, stating that the guidelines provide a commonsense approach to integrating cybersecurity principles at every stage of AI development. The guidelines, a product of global collaboration, advocate for ‘secure by design’ principles and represent a significant agreement among developers to prioritize customer protection throughout the design and development process.

CISA Director Jen Easterly highlighted the importance of the guidelines in fostering transparency, accountability, and secure practices in the rapidly evolving field of AI. The international collaboration underscores a collective commitment to advancing secure by design principles, ensuring the safe development of AI systems globally.

The guidelines cover four key areas in the AI system development lifecycle: secure design, secure development, secure deployment, and secure operation and maintenance. Each section provides recommendations and mitigations to reduce cybersecurity risks throughout the organizational AI system development process.

NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron emphasized the need for concerted international action to address the rapid pace of AI development, highlighting the guidelines as a significant step in shaping a global understanding of cyber risks and mitigation strategies associated with AI.

The guidelines align with the UK’s commitment to international standards for the safe use of AI, according to UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan. The release of these guidelines positions cybersecurity at the core of AI development, ensuring risk mitigation is considered at every stage.

These guidelines are part of ongoing efforts in the U.S. to support safe and secure AI technology development. In October, President Biden issued an Executive Order directing DHS to promote global adoption of AI safety standards, protect U.S. networks and critical infrastructure, and address various missions related to AI, including combating intellectual property theft and attracting skilled talent. Earlier this month, CISA released its Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence, a comprehensive plan aligned with the national strategy to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and safeguard AI systems from cyber threats.

Source: DHS