Homeland Security Official Warns of Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence

A senior Department of Homeland Security official stressed the need to stay conscious of the risks artificial intelligence could pose as adoption of the technology increases. Dimitri Kusnezov, the undersecretary of the DHS’ science and technology directorate, told attendees of a GovCon Wire event on Tuesday that there needs to be a greater understanding of the national security implications of what he described as the “adversarial side” of AI.

Kusnezov said commercial and government organizations need to think about their approach to the technology and its potential ramifications. He added that DHS should become more involved in those discussions to learn how AI could develop over time.

In addition to known concerns such as the ability to manipulate videos and images, AI could become a vector for cyberattacks. Kusnezov noted that critical infrastructure operators such as water and power are starting to implement the technology, necessitating stronger cybersecurity measures such as new regulatory standards.

According to Kusnezov, DHS S&T is preparing for unexpected developments in emerging technology by making its systems and contracts adaptable, Nextgov reported Tuesday.