The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently conducted its first tabletop exercise focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) security incidents, involving over 50 experts from both government and private sectors. Held at Microsoft’s facility in Reston, Virginia, the exercise was part of a broader effort by the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) to enhance operational collaboration and information sharing in response to AI-enabled cybersecurity threats. CISA Director Jen Easterly and FBI Cyber Division Deputy Assistant Director Brett Leatherman emphasized the importance of secure AI development and robust response mechanisms during their remarks.
The exercise was a key step in developing the AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook, an initiative spearheaded by JCDC.AI to foster an operational community among AI providers, security vendors, and critical infrastructure operators. This playbook, slated for publication by the end of the year, aims to facilitate coordinated responses to AI-related security incidents across government, industry, and global partners. Participants worked through simulated scenarios to improve their collective ability to handle AI-driven cyber threats, emphasizing the need for secure-by-design principles in AI development and deployment.
Industry leaders from companies like Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, OpenAI, and others underscored the importance of such collaborative exercises in preparing for the complex cybersecurity landscape influenced by AI advancements. They highlighted that these exercises help refine response strategies, improve AI security systems, and build a resilient digital ecosystem. Public-private partnerships and proactive measures are crucial in combating the growing threats posed by malicious actors targeting AI applications, which are increasingly becoming high-value targets.
The broader implications of this exercise reflect a national effort to bolster cybersecurity resilience amid rising AI threats. CISA’s initiatives align with its Roadmap for AI and the 2024 JCDC Priorities, focusing on enhancing incident response capabilities and reducing AI-related risks to critical infrastructure. Future exercises will involve AI integrators within U.S. critical infrastructure, further strengthening the collaboration between public and private sectors to secure AI technologies and protect national interests.
