WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new guidelines and reports aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure and weapons of mass destruction from threats related to artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives come in response to President Biden's Executive Order focusing on the responsible development and use of AI.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of addressing AI-related threats, stating, "AI can present transformative solutions for U.S. critical infrastructure, and it also carries the risk of making those systems vulnerable in new ways to critical failures, physical attacks, and cyber attacks."

CISA Director Jen Easterly highlighted the significance of the safety and security guidelines, stating, "CISA was pleased to lead the development of ‘Mitigating AI Risk: Safety and Security Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators on behalf of DHS."

Assistant Secretary for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) Mary Ellen Callahan discussed the risks associated with AI in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, stating, "The responsible use of AI holds great promise for advancing science, solving urgent and future challenges, and improving our national security, but AI also requires that we be prepared to rapidly mitigate the misuse of AI in the development of chemical and biological threats."

The Department's efforts include the release of guidelines to mitigate AI risks to critical infrastructure and a report on AI misuse in the development and production of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

These resources are part of a broader initiative to protect critical infrastructure and promote responsible AI development. Recent establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board aims to bring together various stakeholders to advance the safe and secure use of AI in homeland security missions.

To further address AI risks and opportunities, DHS has established an AI Corps, developed AI pilot programs, and released a detailed AI roadmap. The Department is committed to leveraging AI technology responsibly while safeguarding critical infrastructure and national security.

For more information on the safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators, and the report on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, visit the DHS official website.