Wray, who was also joined in the virtual roundtable by Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, said generative AI would “significantly amplify the threats that already exist, both in terms of quantity and sophistication.” added to. AI tools are helping criminals “make their attacks more sophisticated, more reliable, and more malicious.”
“I would say that generative AI in the world of cyberattacks is like taking a junior varsity player and making him a varsity player,” Ray said. “However, we are rapidly approaching the stage where varsity adversaries can see enough value from generative AI to take their games to the next level.”
But while much of the discussion surrounding AI in the cybersecurity field has centered on how AI will enhance both attackers and defenders, Wray said the FBI is “defending America’s AI.” He also said that he is focusing on “things.” [research and development], American Innovation in AI. ”
Nakasone, who also serves as Director of the National Security Agency and Director of the Central Security Agency, said that U.S. adversaries are leveraging AI capabilities developed by U.S. companies, making it important to protect their intellectual property.
“That means we are leading in the field of artificial intelligence, and we want to maintain that lead,” Nakasone said. “This is our future. This is where we will have a significant impact on our economy, our national security, and beyond.”
The FBI and U.S. Cyber Command, a Department of Defense headquarters specializing in cyberspace, work closely on operations against a variety of adversaries, from nation-states like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea to criminals. groups and other foreign actors.
Nakasone said AI will play a key role in that defense. In September 2023, the National Security Agency established a new organization called the AI Security Center to oversee the development and integration of AI capabilities within the U.S. national security system.
“We knew we had to be able to do this in terms of being able to provide insight into understanding what crafts and what techniques. [adversaries] They will try to steal your intellectual property,” Nakasone said, adding that similar efforts have been successful across cybersecurity.
Nakasone and Ray believe that as attackers and adversaries leverage these AI tools more, the best defenses will be formed through partnerships, whether between your own government agencies, the public and private sectors, and allies around the world. He emphasized that.
“Such a partnership will exceed what the Chinese bring to the table every day,” Lei said.