The new division will become the NSA's focal point for developing best practices, principles, and risk frameworks for AI security. It will also contribute to the secure development and adoption of AI within national security systems and the defense industrial base. The group will collaborate with industry leaders, science labs, academic institutions, international partners, and the Department of Defense. Nakasone will be succeeded by Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh.
Key takeaways:
- The National Security Agency (NSA) is starting a dedicated artificial intelligence security center to protect defense and intelligence systems from theft, sabotage, and external AI-based threats.
- The new division will operate under the pre-existing Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, which works with private industry and international partners to protect the US from cyberattacks.
- The decision to establish the unit came after a study suggested that poorly-secured AI models pose a significant national security challenge, a risk that has been compounded by the increase of generative AI technologies.
- Outgoing director General Paul Nakasone will be succeeded by his current deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh.