US DoD Foresees AI vs Counter-AI Battle

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) recently announced its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its anticipation of a battle between AI systems and counter-AI measures. Jude R. Sunderbruch, the DOD Cyber Crime Center executive director, discussed this topic at the Google Defense Forum. The objective is to detect and block attempts to manipulate AI systems while developing resilient AI systems that can withstand such attacks.

The DOD stressed the urgency of this battle as adversaries constantly try to breach their boundaries and security measures. These adversaries operate at incredible speeds and can swiftly move between virtual private servers (VPS). Using AI to stay ahead of these threats is crucial. Sunderbruch stated that this battle will raise important questions about the definition of “truth.” He refrained from calling it an “arms race,” preferring the term “strategic competition.” Similar sentiments were shared by Meta’s AI boss, Yann LeCun, who referred to an ongoing “AI war” in December 2023.

The DOD believes that the US is in a strong position to make advancements in the field of AI. Utilizing existing AI tools for analyzing government information layered with other available data is a near-term goal. The DOD also aims to train AI models using various useful information and apply AI tools for identifying threats and vulnerabilities. Army Col. Richard Leach, the intelligence director for the Defense Information Systems Agency, emphasized the role of AI in processing vast amounts of data and helping decision makers by filtering key information and conducting basic analysis.

The US government has been actively exploring both the utilization and regulation of AI systems. In October 2023, the Biden Administration established six new AI safety and security standards through an executive order. On January 10, US law enforcement officials warned about the potential of AI in facilitating hacking, scams, and money laundering, as it lowers the entry barrier for individuals with technical skills to commit such crimes. Awareness of AI’s impact on cybersecurity and digital landscapes is crucial for the government.

The DOD’s release highlighted the use of AI in countering potential threats and manipulations. The US government recognizes the significance of AI in bolstering security measures and aims to harness its potential effectively. With ongoing efforts to advance AI technology and establish regulations, the government strives to protect against cyber threats and stay ahead in this strategic competition.