The federal government conducted its inaugural tabletop exercise on Thursday to bolster its incident response capabilities ahead of heightened artificial intelligence threats, drawing participants from various sectors across the globe.
Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) through the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative, the exercise convened 50 AI experts representing 15 companies and several international cyber defense agencies. This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to address potential risks associated with rapid AI deployment, as major corporations like Microsoft accelerate the release of AI-driven products susceptible to cyber exploitation.
While specific details of the three modules within the tabletop were not disclosed by CISA, the exercise primarily focused on identifying components of AI-related cybersecurity incidents, determining necessary information-sharing protocols between industry and government, and establishing effective collaboration frameworks.
Clayton Romans, Associate Director of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative at CISA, emphasized the diverse vulnerabilities AI could face, including threats to AI systems themselves or those created by AI technology. He highlighted the importance of establishing common terminology and understanding among new entrants in the AI sector, fostering collaboration with longstanding industry partners within the JCDC.
The four-hour tabletop session forms a critical component of CISA’s upcoming AI security incident collaboration playbook, slated for release by late 2024. This playbook aims to standardize incident response procedures specific to AI, facilitating coordinated efforts between public and private sectors as well as international entities through the JCDC’s initiatives.
Romans underscored the exercise’s role in laying foundational groundwork for future collaborations across key industry players and government partners, preparing for emerging challenges in the AI landscape.
Earlier in April, CISA issued guidelines addressing AI security for owners and operators of critical infrastructure, complemented by the establishment of an AI safety and security board under the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, CISA formed a dedicated working group to explore AI’s potential in mitigating supply chain threats, as highlighted by CISA Director Jen Easterly during a recent supply chain summit.
Thursday’s tabletop exercise witnessed collaboration between CISA, FBI, NSA, Department of Defense, Office of the Director for National Intelligence, and the Cyber National Mission Force. Participating technology giants included Microsoft, OpenAI, IBM, Palantir, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks. International observers from the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre, and Canada’s Centre for Cyber Security were also present, reflecting the exercise’s global relevance and collaborative spirit.
Source: cyberscoop.com
