The UK Government is setting up a Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), saying it will help to protect against new threats from the technology.
It will initially provide £8.22 million to fund the laboratory, which will work with UK universities, the intelligence agencies and industry to boost cyber resilience and support growth in the sector.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden announced the move, saying it comes in response to evolving threats to national security from AI.
The funding will be based on a catalytic model, with the initial investment coming with an invitation to industry to provide further investment.
Partners will include the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the National Cyber Security Centre, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in the Ministry of Defence, the Alan Turing Institute, the AI Safety Institute, the University of Oxford, Queen’s University Belfast and innovation company Plexal.
In addition, the laboratory will seek collaboration with like-minded partners, starting with the Five Eyes countries – UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – and NATO allies.
Strength of resolve
McFadden said: “Cyber war is now a daily reality. One where our defences are constantly being tested. The extent of the threat must be matched by the strength of our resolve to combat it and to protect our citizens and systems. 75 years after its foundation, it is clear we need NATO more than ever.
“NATO has stayed relevant over the last seven decades by constantly adapting to new threats. It has navigated the worlds of nuclear proliferation and militant nationalism. The move from cold warfare to drone warfare.”
He added: “Last year, we saw the US for the first time publicly call out a state for using AI to aid its malicious cyber activity. In this case it was North Korea who had attempted to use AI to accelerate its malware development and scan for cybersecurity gaps it could exploit. North Korea is the first, but it won’t be the last.”
Alongside the new laboratory, he announced a new £1 million incident response project to share expertise so that allies can respond to cyber incidents more effectively.
Threats and opportunities
Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty said: “AI has enormous potential. To ensure it remains a force for good in the world, we need to understand its threats and its opportunities.
“Today we have launched a new, world leading research lab to enhance AI security to ensure the UK and our allies reap the benefits of AI, while detecting, disrupting and deterring adversaries who would use it to undermine our national security and economic prosperity.”
