The pace of innovation in the rapidly evolving world of AI is outrunning the development of robust security measures, and this imbalance presents significant challenges from data privacy issues to the risk of adversarial attacks that can compromise AI systems. As AI technologies become increasingly integral throughout every industry, ensuring their security is imperative. The stakes are high, with potential repercussions for enterprises and individuals alike across CIA – the security triad of confidentiality, availability, and integrity, creating a plethora of legal, ethical, regulatory compliance, and trust issues.

The Insecurity of AI

We’re only now comprehending the scope of AI-specific security risks. Some of the myriad risks include:

• Data Breaches: AI models are trained on large volumes of data, making them attractive targets for data breaches.
• Adversarial Attacks: Attackers can manipulate input data to deceive AI models, leading to incorrect outputs.
• Data Manipulation and Data Poisoning: Malicious actors can alter the data used to train AI models, compromising their integrity and performance.
• Bias and Discrimination: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the training data, leading to unfair outcomes.
• Lack of Transparency: The decision-making processes of AI models can be opaque, making it difficult to understand and trust their outputs.
• Automated Malware Generation: AI can be used to create sophisticated malware that is harder to detect and mitigate.
• Model Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers can compromise the AI model supply chain, introducing vulnerabilities at various stages of development and deployment.
• Deepfakes: AI-generated deepfakes can be used for malicious purposes, such as fraud and misinformation.
• Spear-Phishing: AI can enhance the effectiveness of spear-phishing attacks by creating highly personalized and convincing messages.
• Privacy Concerns: AI systems can inadvertently expose sensitive information, raising privacy concerns.

One of our primary challenges is that the AI security industry is fragmented. We grapple with a patchwork of tools quickly adapted to address highly specific AI risks, and we have no overarching AI security controls. This fragmentation makes it difficult for us to assess and mitigate AI-specific risks.

We also face the lack of standardized best practices for AI security. Without clear guidelines, even the most experienced organizations struggle to implement robust security measures. The rapid pace of AI development makes it hard for us to keep pace. Additionally, the cybersecurity skills gap is exacerbated by needing AI domain knowledge and experience to ensure we can adequately and appropriately address these complex security issues.

The Coalition for Secure AI

To tackle these challenges head-on, heavyweights in the cloud, AI, and cybersecurity industries have come together to form the Coalition for Secure AI (COSAI), an initiative designed to promote security, transparency, and ethical standards in AI development. Announced by OASIS Open, COSAI aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, including technology companies, academia, and policymakers, to collaborate on building secure AI systems.

The Premier Sponsors of COSAI

The founding members of COSAI include some of the leading names in technology, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the consortium:

• Google: Known for its groundbreaking research in AI, Google’s involvement underscores the commitment to advancing AI safety and robustness.
• IBM: With its extensive experience in AI and enterprise solutions, IBM aims to drive standards that ensure AI systems are both secure and scalable.
• Intel: Intel’s sponsorship highlights its focus on hardware and software solutions that enhance AI security, particularly through innovations in processor technology and data protection.
• MITRE: As a not-for-profit organization, MITRE’s role emphasizes the development of standards and frameworks that bolster AI security and integrity across various sectors.
• Amazon: With its vast experience in cloud computing and AI services, Amazon’s involvement is critical for integrating security best practices into the development and deployment of AI technologies.
• Anthropic: Focused on AI safety and alignment, Anthropic’s participation underscores the importance of developing AI systems that are both secure and aligned with human values.
• Microsoft: As a major player in cloud computing and AI, Microsoft is dedicated to advancing AI security through robust standards and comprehensive risk management strategies.
• NVIDIA: Known for its contributions to GPU technology and AI hardware, NVIDIA’s support highlights the need for innovative solutions that enhance the security and performance of AI systems.

These companies are not just sponsors but active contributors, leveraging their expertise to shape the direction of COSAI’s initiatives. Their involvement reflects a shared vision for a future where AI technologies are secure, transparent, and beneficial to society.

COSAI’s Approach

COSAI’s strategy is multifaceted, aiming to create a holistic framework for AI security and ethics:

• Standardization and Best Practices: COSAI is developing comprehensive guidelines and best practices for AI security. These standards will help organizations implement robust security measures and ensure their AI systems are resilient against threats.
• Research and Development: The coalition will support cutting-edge research in AI safety, funding projects that explore new techniques for enhancing AI robustness and mitigating risks associated with adversarial attacks.
• Education and Training: By providing training and resources, COSAI seeks to enhance the skills of AI professionals, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest security protocols and ethical considerations.
• Policy Advocacy: COSAI will actively engage with policymakers to shape regulations that foster innovation while safeguarding public interest. This includes advocating for policies that promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI development.

The Initial Work of COSAI

COSAI is already working on establishing foundational security standards for AI development. This includes creating a comprehensive framework for assessing AI system vulnerabilities and developing guidelines for mitigating risks associated with adversarial attacks. Additionally, COSAI is launching research projects aimed at advancing the understanding of AI safety mechanisms and fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government bodies to accelerate the development of secure AI technologies. These efforts are designed to lay the groundwork for a safer AI ecosystem, addressing the immediate needs and long-term goals of the AI community.

The Coalition for Secure AI represents a pivotal step forward in the quest to make AI technologies safer and more trustworthy. By fostering collaboration across industry, academia, and government, COSAI is paving the way for a secure AI landscape that benefits all.

For more detailed insights into COSAI’s vision and ongoing projects, visit their official website: https://www.coalitionforsecureai.org/.

[Originally published on LinkedIn]