Ex-NSA Director Weighs Pros, Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

Michael Rogers, former National Security Agency director, said both the United States and its adversaries could reap the same cyber benefits from artificial intelligence.

Speaking at a Semafor event on Tuesday, he acknowledged that the technology could improve U.S. understanding and readiness against cyber threats while noting that AI could also inform attackers’ tactics, The Hill reported Tuesday.

Rogers, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker and Wash100 awardee, explained that the adversaries will be able to simulate their targets’ defensive moves. The U.S. has not reached the point where it can prevent attackers from performing certain maneuvers, he added.

Chris Novak, managing director at Verizon’s cybersecurity consulting business, noted that businesses face a similar threat. Discussing Verizon’s annual data breach report at the event, he noted that AI could enable adversaries to evolve their attacks even though companies will keep ahead in the short term.

Jenny Meena, Sallie Mae’s chief information security officer, warned that the technology could change consumer banking by eliminating routine tasks while empowering cyber criminals.