NSA Launches AI Security Center to Protect Against Emerging Threats

The outgoing director of the National Security Agency (NSA), Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, announced on Thursday the establishment of an artificial intelligence security center. This center is seen as a crucial mission for the NSA as artificial intelligence capabilities become increasingly integrated into U.S. defense and intelligence systems.

The AI security center will be incorporated into the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, where the agency collaborates with private industry and international partners to strengthen the U.S. defense-industrial base against threats posed by countries like China and Russia.

Nakasone emphasized the importance of not taking the current advantage the United States has in AI for granted, particularly in the face of the threat from Beijing. He highlighted that while the U.S. has not yet detected any attempts by Russia or China to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, the U.S. will work with partners and allies to deter any such efforts.

In recent months, cybersecurity researchers have observed an increase in cyber operations by China targeting U.S. and allied institutions. These operations may involve pre-positioning malware aimed at disrupting military communications. In response, the U.S. and Japan issued an alert warning of Chinese hackers targeting government, industrial, telecommunications, and other entities supporting their respective militaries.

Regarding the use of AI in threat analysis and red-flag alerts, Nakasone clarified that while AI assists in the process, decisions are ultimately made by humans. He stressed the importance of human involvement in decision-making, despite the assistance provided by artificial intelligence.

The AI security center was established in response to a comprehensive study conducted by the NSA. This study highlighted the pressing need to protect AI models against theft and sabotage, which has been identified as a critical national security concern. This challenge is particularly relevant as generative AI technologies emerge with the potential for both positive and malicious applications.

The AI security center will serve as the NSA’s focal point for leveraging foreign intelligence insights and developing best practices guidelines, principles, evaluation methodologies, and risk frameworks for AI security. It will collaborate closely with U.S. industry, national labs, academia, the Department of Defense, and international partners.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh will take over as the new leader of both the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, succeeding Nakasone in his dual role. In his new position, Haugh will assume the responsibility of overseeing both offensive and defensive cyber operations for the United States. Additionally, he will be in charge of conducting signals intelligence activities, which involve gathering information through telecommunications surveillance.. Nakasone has led both organizations since May 2018.