The AI Cyber Defense Initiative is dedicated to strengthening digital security through investments in AI-ready infrastructure, the release of new defender tools, and the launch of research and AI security training programs. These commitments are aimed at empowering AI to safeguard and advance our collective digital future.
1. Ensuring Security. It is essential for AI security technologies to prioritize secure design and default settings. To accomplish this, the Secure AI Framework was established to foster collaboration on best practices for securing AI systems. To further promote a secure AI ecosystem:
- We are continually investing in a secure, AI-ready global network of data centers to make new AI innovations accessible to public sector organizations and businesses of all sizes. By the end of 2024, we will have invested over $5 billion in data centers in Europe, which will support reliable access to various digital services, including advanced generative AI capabilities such as our Vertex AI platform.
- We are introducing a new “AI for Cybersecurity” cohort comprising 17 startups from the UK, US, and EU under the Google for Startups Growth Academy’s AI for Cybersecurity Program. This initiative aims to strengthen the transatlantic cybersecurity ecosystem through internationalization strategies, AI tools, and skills development.
2. Empowering Defenders. Making balanced regulatory choices regarding the use and adoption of AI is crucial to avoid unintentional shifts in cyberspace dynamics. To give defenders an advantage in this battle:
- We are expanding our $15 million Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars Program across Europe, including AI-focused modules, to support universities in training the next generation of cybersecurity experts from underserved communities.
- We are open-sourcing Magika, an AI-powered tool designed to assist defenders in file type identification, a critical component in detecting malware. Magika is already utilized to enhance the security of products like Gmail, Drive, and Safe Browsing, as well as by the VirusTotal team to create a safer digital environment.
3. Advancing Research. A commitment to advancing research that leads to AI-powered security breakthroughs is essential. To support this endeavor, $2 million in research grants and strategic partnerships have been allocated to strengthen cybersecurity research initiatives using AI. This includes enhancing code verification, understanding how AI can aid in cyber offense and defense countermeasures, and developing language models that are more resilient to threats. The funding supports researchers at institutions like The University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, and Stanford, building on previous efforts to stimulate the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The AI revolution is already underway and its potential to address security challenges represents a significant development. With AI, we are closer to achieving a safe, secure, and trustworthy digital world.
