AI Executive Order Promotes Cybersecurity in Public/Private Sector

Yesterday, the president signed a new executive order (EO) on AI focusing on cybersecurity. It introduces new voluntary programs for private sector AI developers. These programs would allow AI developers to confidentially submit frontier models to the federal government for early cybersecurity testing. The administration’s fact sheet on the EO describes these private sector efforts:

• “The Order establishes an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse, in voluntary coordination with the AI industry and critical infrastructure operators, to identify and remediate software vulnerabilities at scale.
• The Order calls for the development of a classified benchmarking process against which industry may assess their models for advanced AI cyber capabilities, identifying covered frontier models.
• The Order directs the Federal government to establish a voluntary framework in collaboration with AI developers regarding covered frontier models, which would provide the Federal government with secure early access for trusted partners to strengthen cybersecurity and promote secure innovation.
• The Order expressly states that nothing shall be construed to authorize creation of any mandatory governmental licensing, pre-clearance, or permitting requirement for the development, publication, release or distribution of AI models.”

In addition to the voluntary private sector programs, the EO also directs government agencies to invest in and adopt AI-enabled cybersecurity systems. It also directs the Attorney General to strongly enforce against cybercriminals using AI. The fact sheet summarizes these governmental provisions:

• “The Order directs appropriate agencies to prioritize the cyber defense of National Security Systems, Department of War information systems, and civilian Federal government information systems.
• This includes the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the National Cyber Director, issuing binding operational directives and other guidance to facilitate access to AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and services for Federal agencies, State and local authorities, and operators of critical infrastructure, including rural hospitals, community banks, and local utilities.
• The Order directs the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management to identify funding opportunities for advanced AI cybersecurity capabilities and expand Federal cybersecurity hiring and placement pathways.
• The Order directs the Attorney General to prioritize enforcement against individuals who use AI to illegally access or damage computer systems, steal data, or facilitate other criminal activity.”