November 18, 2024 at 08:33AM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued voluntary recommendations for securely developing and deploying AI in critical infrastructure. The “Roles and Responsibilities Framework” emphasizes responsibilities for all supply chain participants, focusing on security, governance, and model design. It aims to enhance AI system safety and transparency while adapting to evolving industry needs.
### Meeting Takeaways: DHS Recommendations on AI in Critical Infrastructure
1. **Overview of Recommendations:**
– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released voluntary recommendations for the secure development and deployment of AI in critical infrastructure.
– The recommendations address all stakeholders in the AI supply chain, including cloud providers, AI developers, infrastructure owners, civil society, and public sector organizations.
2. **Framework Focus Areas:**
– The “Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure” emphasizes five key areas:
– Securing environments
– Responsible model and system design
– Data governance
– Safe and secure deployment
– Monitoring performance and impact
3. **Roles and Responsibilities:**
– **Cloud and Compute Infrastructure Providers:**
– Vet hardware and software supply chains.
– Implement strong access management and secure data centers.
– Monitor for anomalous activities and report suspicious actions.
– **AI Developers:**
– Adopt a Secure by Design approach.
– Evaluate AI models for dangerous capabilities and ensure alignment with human-centric values.
– Conduct bias and vulnerability assessments and support independent evaluations for high-risk models.
– **Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators:**
– Deploy AI systems securely and maintain robust cybersecurity practices.
– Protect customer data and ensure transparency in AI usage for public services.
– **Civil Society:**
– Collaborate on standards development and conduct AI safety research with government and industry inputs.
– **Public Sector Entities:**
– Promote standards of practice for AI safety and security through regulatory measures.
4. **Public Statements:**
– DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized that the framework aims to enhance the safety and security of critical services, such as water, power, and internet access.
– The framework is intended to be a dynamic document that evolves with the industry.
5. **Current AI Applications:**
– AI is already employed for resilience and risk mitigation, including applications in earthquake detection, power grid stabilization, and efficient mail sorting.
6. **Next Steps:**
– Adoption of the framework across various sectors is necessary for improved safety and security in critical infrastructure related to AI technologies.
### Conclusion
The DHS framework serves as a foundational guide for collaboration across various sectors to secure AI applications in critical infrastructure while fostering responsible growth and adherence to safety standards.