In-Short
- UK launches Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) with £8.22 million funding.
- LASR to unite experts for national security against AI threats, part of a broader cyber defence strategy.
- Government emphasizes the importance of adapting to AI threats and standing strong against aggressors like Russia.
- New initiatives include a £1 million incident response project and collaboration with Five Eyes and NATO allies.
Summary
In an effort to fortify its cyber defence, the UK government has initiated the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), backed by an initial investment of £8.22 million. This strategic move aims to consolidate expertise from various sectors, including industry, academia, and government, to evaluate and respond to the national security implications of artificial intelligence.
The announcement was made at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference, where the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster underscored the necessity for NATO to evolve with the advancing technology of AI. The Chancellor highlighted the ongoing cyber war and the need for a strong resolve to protect against these threats.
LASR is set to adopt a ‘catalytic’ model to encourage further investment and partnership from the private sector. Key participants in this initiative include GCHQ, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and renowned universities like Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast.
The establishment of LASR follows concerns about state actors, such as Russia and North Korea, leveraging AI to enhance their cyber capabilities. The UK government is taking a firm stance against such threats, emphasizing the importance of not appeasing aggressive dictators.
Complementing LASR, the UK government has also announced a £1 million incident response project to improve collaborative cyber defence with allies. The focus will be on cooperation with Five Eyes countries and NATO allies, building upon the UK’s historical computing prowess.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the recent designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure.
Further Reading
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Footnotes
Image credit: Erik Mclean
