WASHINGTON — In a joint collaboration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have released a set of pioneering Guidelines for Secure AI System Development. This historic initiative, crafted in partnership with 21 international agencies, including all Group of 7 major industrial economies, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity on a global scale.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort, stating, “We are at an inflection point in the development of artificial intelligence, which may well be the most consequential technology of our time. Cybersecurity is key to building AI systems that are safe, secure, and trustworthy.” Mayorkas further highlighted the guidelines as a commonsense path toward integrating ‘secure by design’ principles, offering a historic agreement that prioritizes cybersecurity throughout the entire AI system development lifecycle.
CISA Director Jen Easterly underscored the global commitment to secure AI capabilities, stating, “As nations and organizations embrace the transformative power of AI, this international collaboration, led by CISA and NCSC, underscores the global dedication to fostering transparency, accountability, and secure practices.” The guidelines, structured around secure design, secure development, secure deployment, and secure operation and maintenance, provide essential recommendations to mitigate cybersecurity risks throughout the AI system development process.
NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron acknowledged the rapid pace of AI development, emphasizing the need for international cooperation. “These Guidelines mark a significant step in shaping a truly global, common understanding of the cyber risks and mitigation strategies around AI to ensure that security is not a postscript to development but a core requirement throughout,” Cameron stated.
The UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, expressed confidence in the guidelines’ impact, saying, “The NCSC’s publication of these new guidelines will put cybersecurity at the heart of AI development at every stage so protecting against risk is considered throughout.”
The release of these guidelines aligns with broader U.S. efforts to support safe and secure AI technology development. In October, President Biden issued an Executive Order directing DHS to promote global adoption of AI safety standards, protect U.S. networks and critical infrastructure, combat AI-related intellectual property theft, and attract skilled talent. CISA’s recent release of its Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence further emphasizes a comprehensive approach to promoting beneficial uses of AI, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, and deterring malicious AI applications.
This joint initiative reflects a collective commitment to shaping a secure digital future, positioning the U.S. and the UK as standard bearers in fostering responsible AI development on the global stage.
