AI Security Center to open at US National Security Agency.

On September 29, Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), announced the establishment of a novel organization dedicated to supervising the advancement and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within the United States' national security infrastructure. This initiative, known as the AI Security Center, will serve as the central hub for formulating best practices, assessment methodologies, and risk frameworks. Its primary objective is to facilitate the secure adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies across the national security apparatus and the defense industry. This development was reported by Joseph Clark, DOD News.
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The AI Security Center's role will encompass the consolidation of the NSA's diverse AI-related security endeavors (Picture source: U.S. Air Force graphic by Greg Gerken)

The AI Security Center's role will encompass the consolidation of the NSA's diverse AI-related security endeavors. General Nakasone emphasized that the center will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including U.S. industry, national laboratories, academia within the intelligence community, the Department of Defense, and select international partners. He made this announcement during a discussion hosted by the National Press Club in Washington.

In January 2023, the Department of Defense updated its 2012 directive, aligning it with the latest advancements in AI to guide the responsible development of autonomous weapon systems. Additionally, in 2020, the department unveiled its Responsible AI Strategy and Implementation Pathway, which exemplifies the United States' commitment to responsible management of rapidly emerging AI technologies. The nation has also introduced a political declaration aimed at promoting responsible military use of AI, further seeking to codify norms for its ethical deployment.

General Nakasone, who also commands U.S. Cyber Command and serves as the chief of the Central Security Service, underscored the critical importance of the United States maintaining its leadership in AI as the technology continues to evolve. He stressed that AI's influence on national security, diplomacy, technology, and economics is on the rise and will have significant implications for the United States, its allies, and partners.

"While the U.S. currently leads in this vital domain, we must not take this leadership position for granted," General Nakasone cautioned. He pointed out that adversaries have a history of appropriating American intellectual property through theft and exploitation to advance their own interests, including in AI. To safeguard against this threat, he stressed the need for the NSA to chart a clear path forward to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, especially as the industry continues to innovate.

General Nakasone elucidated the concept of AI security, which entails protecting AI systems from learning, executing, or disclosing sensitive information inappropriately. He emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of AI vulnerabilities, foreign intelligence threats to AI systems, and strategies to counteract these threats to ensure AI security. Moreover, he emphasized the necessity of preventing malicious foreign actors from pilfering America's innovative AI capabilities.

Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington, March 30, 2023 (Picture source: U.S. DoD/E.J. Hersom)

Defense News October 2023