Louise KienappleAssociate Program Manager| General Dynamics Land Systems CanadaLondon, Ontario, Canada
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence for aiding industries and households perform mundane tasks in a much more efficient manner, are the major defense and aerospace contractors implementing cyber oversight and controls to protect their intellectual property? Saving Changes...
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Craig LoughlinDirector, Transnational & Irregular Threats| FluorReston, VA, United States
The intersection of AI and intellectual property (IP) in defense and aerospace is indeed pressing. AI, while revolutionizing functionalities from drones to machinery maintenance, raises concerns about IP protection, especially with extensive data needs and cloud-based computations.
Major defense and aerospace contractors are proactively addressing this. They're investing in: AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools/protocols, data anonymization, development of isolated AI training networks, and increased regulatory compliance.
In short, while AI’s growth in defense poses IP challenges, the industry is employing robust measures to ensure data security. Being proactive and informed should be our foremost strategy against potential emerging threats. Saving Changes...
Is the concern related to a third-party AI tool accessing input data in an unauthorized manner or in providing outputs to unauthorized parties?
If so, then I'd suggest similar controls used to protect IP when other third-party applications would apply here...
Kiron
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1 reply by Louise Kienapple
Sep 28, 2023 5:26 PM
Louise Kienapple
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I was thinking along the lines of third party AI obtaining data beyond the allowable information (ie into protected and controlled data). In simple terms, Can malware hide within the AI platform ?
Does using AI create a breach past firewalls?
Appreciating cyber security has an important role, but are we looking for trouble with AI in the defense and aerospace industries or can we trust that trade secrets are protected?
Saving Changes...
Louise KienappleAssociate Program Manager| General Dynamics Land Systems CanadaLondon, Ontario, Canada
Sep 28, 2023 7:40 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Louise -
Is the concern related to a third-party AI tool accessing input data in an unauthorized manner or in providing outputs to unauthorized parties?
If so, then I'd suggest similar controls used to protect IP when other third-party applications would apply here...
Kiron
I was thinking along the lines of third party AI obtaining data beyond the allowable information (ie into protected and controlled data). In simple terms, Can malware hide within the AI platform ?
Does using AI create a breach past firewalls?
Appreciating cyber security has an important role, but are we looking for trouble with AI in the defense and aerospace industries or can we trust that trade secrets are protected?
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2 replies by Kiron Bondale and Laurie May Bautista
Sep 29, 2023 7:24 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Louise -
I don't believe there's anything "special" about AI tools when it comes to malware or the ability to access data they shouldn't. A multi-layered cyber security approach which includes only using third-party software which is properly vetted and whose company's development processes you trust (or can independently verify) is as important as with any other third-party capabilities.
The bigger challenge is around educating staff to appropriately use the tools by preventing use of confidential information as being part of data sets.
Kiron
Oct 02, 2023 11:15 AM
Laurie May Bautista
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Not an expert here but base on AI related seminars I have attended. Here are insights relevant to your question. There is a legitimate concern that third-party AI could potentially access protected and controlled data, posing a security risk. While AI itself doesn't inherently breach firewalls, vulnerabilities in AI systems or malware disguised within them can be exploited for such breaches. Cybersecurity measures are crucial, but maintaining trust in protecting trade secrets with AI in the defense and aerospace industries requires ongoing vigilance and robust security protocols to mitigate these risks effectively.
Defense contractors absolutely provide many layers of data protection to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. If not, they couldn't get the defense contracts.
Use of 3rd party software inside the business or their products is very tightly controlled. That includes network security and physical access. Their employees often are not using the latest versions of software like Office, downloading unauthorized software could get you fired, and you don't get to do many things that automate mundane tasks for security reasons.
If they are dealing with information that is licensed EAR, ITAR, or above, they must follow extra controls. It is one of the reasons that defense contracts are so expensive, however the extra layer of inefficiency is simply considered the cost of doing business. Saving Changes...
I was thinking along the lines of third party AI obtaining data beyond the allowable information (ie into protected and controlled data). In simple terms, Can malware hide within the AI platform ?
Does using AI create a breach past firewalls?
Appreciating cyber security has an important role, but are we looking for trouble with AI in the defense and aerospace industries or can we trust that trade secrets are protected?
Louise -
I don't believe there's anything "special" about AI tools when it comes to malware or the ability to access data they shouldn't. A multi-layered cyber security approach which includes only using third-party software which is properly vetted and whose company's development processes you trust (or can independently verify) is as important as with any other third-party capabilities.
The bigger challenge is around educating staff to appropriately use the tools by preventing use of confidential information as being part of data sets.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Laurie May BautistaPMO Manager| RED SEA INTERNATIONALDubai, Du, United Arab Emirates
Sep 28, 2023 5:26 PM
Replying to Louise Kienapple
...
I was thinking along the lines of third party AI obtaining data beyond the allowable information (ie into protected and controlled data). In simple terms, Can malware hide within the AI platform ?
Does using AI create a breach past firewalls?
Appreciating cyber security has an important role, but are we looking for trouble with AI in the defense and aerospace industries or can we trust that trade secrets are protected?
Not an expert here but base on AI related seminars I have attended. Here are insights relevant to your question. There is a legitimate concern that third-party AI could potentially access protected and controlled data, posing a security risk. While AI itself doesn't inherently breach firewalls, vulnerabilities in AI systems or malware disguised within them can be exploited for such breaches. Cybersecurity measures are crucial, but maintaining trust in protecting trade secrets with AI in the defense and aerospace industries requires ongoing vigilance and robust security protocols to mitigate these risks effectively. Saving Changes...
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