Homeland Security Unveils AI Framework for Securing Critical Infrastructure

The Biden administration unveiled guidelines on Thursday for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into critical infrastructure sectors, including the power grid, water systems, air travel, and more.

The Homeland Security Department, in collaboration with its Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, developed these guidelines, which private industries are expected to adopt and implement.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that the framework is intended to evolve alongside advancements in the industry, describing it as a “living document.”

The framework outlines key recommendations, such as:

Assessing potentially harmful capabilities in AI systems.

Aligning AI applications with human-centric values and privacy safeguards.

Securing cloud-computing infrastructure by vetting hardware and software suppliers and protecting the physical security of data centers.

Critical infrastructure owners and operators are urged to bolster cybersecurity measures that account for AI-related risks and maintain transparency about AI usage. The framework also includes specific recommendations for state and local governments.

When asked about potential changes to the framework under President-elect Donald Trump, Mayorkas reiterated that the current policies reflect President Joe Biden’s administration. “The president-elect will decide what policies to implement, as is his prerogative,” he stated.