'No time to waste' in prepping governments for AI cyber threats, top Dem lawmaker says

"Schumer called on Mullin and DHS to work closely with other units of government to prepare them properly for those cyber threats from AI. He noted the threats that states, localities and others face, including to their critical infrastructure, and urged the federal government to do more to protect them. AI could be capable of hacking such systems within a year, he said."

""As AI continues its rapid development - including important cybersecurity advances as well as dangerous new hacking tools - it is imperative that all levels of our government have access to this technology so they can prepare before it's too late. We must beat cyber criminals in the race to defend our most critical systems from AI-enabled hacking or attacks," Schumer said in a statement accompanying the letter."

""There is no excuse for the Department of Homeland Security's delay in bolstering state and local government cybersecurity capabilities. We must begin this process now - before there are any major disruptions to hospitals or energy grids - or worse.""

"In his letter, Schumer asked Mullin to provide information on how DHS will coordinate with SLTT governments and the private sector to conduct risk assessments of critical infrastructure, and share information about vulnerability discovery and response."

The Senate’s top Democrat urged the Department of Homeland Security to improve coordination on artificial intelligence-driven cyber threats with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. The request follows concerns that AI systems will soon outperform humans at identifying software vulnerabilities. The call emphasizes preparation for threats to critical infrastructure and the need for federal action to strengthen state and local cybersecurity capabilities. The letter asks for details on how DHS will coordinate with SLTT governments and the private sector to conduct risk assessments of critical infrastructure and to share information about vulnerability discovery and response. The urgency is tied to the possibility that AI-enabled hacking could become capable within a year, risking major disruptions to hospitals and energy grids.

Read at Nextgov.com