DOD to Use AI for Security Analysis

The Department of Defense (DOD) announced during a Google Defense Forum (GDF) that it is shifting to use artificial intelligence (AI) for data, security, and threat analysis.

“I would not hesitate to call it an arms race but a strategic competition when it comes to artificial intelligence,” said Jude R. Sunderbruch, the executive director of the DOD Cyber Crime Center.

“I’m feeling very confident about betting on the creativity of the United States and our partnerships between the government, industry, academia and small startups,” he noted.

Intelligence Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency Army Col. Richard Leach suggested that AI can sift through data.

“Let AI identify key pieces of information and maybe do some of the basic analysis. Let the analysts focus on the hard problem set so they’re not wasting time, resources and people,” Leach stated. “Adversaries are trying to get past our boundaries and our securities every day. They’re moving at ‘lightspeed.’ They’re on fiber optic networks. They’re able to bounce from one VPS [virtual private server] to another in an instant, so utilizing AI to try to get ahead of that is going to be essential.”

In August, the DOD announced the development of an artificial intelligence task force. 

“Task Force Lima” is a move that the DOD says reflects its commitment to “harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in a responsible and strategic way.”

The task force will analyze and integrate generative AI tools, such as large language models, across the department.

“The establishment of Task Force Lima underlines the Department of Defense’s unwavering commitment to leading the charge in AI innovation,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks said.

“As we navigate the transformative power of generative AI, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring national security, minimizing risks and responsibly integrating these technologies. The future of defense is not just about adopting cutting-edge technologies, but doing so with foresight, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the broader implications for our nation,” she added. 

The National Security Agency (NSA) is also reportedly establishing a new Artificial Intelligence Security Center to further develop and integrate AI into federal intelligence.

“The AI Security Center will work closely with U.S. Industry, national labs, academia across the [intelligence community], and Department of Defense and select foreign partners,” NSA Director Paul Nakasone said.