IGF 2023 WS #233 AI as a tool and weapon in cybersecurity

Subtheme

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety
New Technologies and Risks to Online Security

Organizer 1: Michael Karimian, 🔒Microsoft
Organizer 2: Elizabeth Eigner, Microsoft
Organizer 3: Monica Ruiz, 🔒Microsoft

Speaker 1: Anna Roy, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Christopher Meserole, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Michael Karimian, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group

Moderator

Michael Karimian, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group

Online Moderator

Monica Ruiz, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Elizabeth Eigner, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format

Round Table - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

1) How can the multistakeholder community effectively assess the multifaceted risks and opportunities posed by the rapid proliferation of AI for cybersecurity purposes, while considering the broader geopolitical and international contexts?

2) Considering the next wave of emerging technologies – metaverse, ubiquity of IoT devices, quantum computing, etc. – what will be some of the biggest cybersecurity challenges and opportunities?

3) How can lessons learned from the software security space – Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), etc., - provide insights for an AI framework that fosters a vibrant AI development ecosystem while ensuring AI systems are safe, effective, and fair?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Given the need to address this issue globally and across the multistakeholder community, this session will bring together experts from the public sector, industry and civil society to discuss the roles and contributions that are essential to create a comprehensive framework for AI governance in the context of cybersecurity. The aim being to promote ethical and responsible development, deployment, and use of cybersecurity AI systems to foster trust and confidence in the technology and ensure that AI is used in ways that are consistent with democratic values and principles. With this focus, attendees will gain a better understanding of what is needed to effectively and ethically use these tools for improved cybersecurity. Attendees will also better understand successful efforts in the software security space and how those apply to AI policy. The session will feature representatives from government (e.g. India), industry (e.g. Microsoft) and civil society (e.g. Brookings Institution).

Description:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a critical technology transforming various aspects of our lives, presenting both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity. If states can use AI for both defensive and potentially offensive purposes, the imperative for responsible AI behavior will be paramount. In this dynamic session, esteemed experts from the public sector, industry, and civil society will converge to discuss the urgent need for a comprehensive framework governing AI in the realm of cybersecurity. Through an insightful exploration of lessons drawn from software security and emerging technologies, participants will collectively shape strategies that foster ethical and responsible AI deployment, while concurrently nurturing trust and upholding democratic principles. Deep-diving into the geopolitical implications, the session will identify and dissect the cybersecurity challenges and opportunities that emerge from cutting-edge technologies. By engaging in robust and constructive dialogue, the session aims to catalyze the creation of impactful AI policies and practices that fortify the digital ecosystem.

Expected Outcomes

The session will strive to yield several key outcomes, including but not limited to:

1) Identification of the fundamental building blocks required for a comprehensive framework governing responsible AI behavior in cybersecurity.

2) Heightened awareness among participants regarding the risks and opportunities surrounding the pervasive adoption of AI in the cybersecurity realm.

3) Production of insights and recommendations that can significantly contribute to ongoing discussions at the United Nations and regional organizations pertaining to AI governance.

Hybrid Format: 1) To facilitate interaction, we will include virtual documents that enable all participants to contribute their ideas and insights collaboratively. Additionally, we will utilize virtual survey questions to stimulate and guide the discussion, ensuring active participation from both onsite and online participants.

2) In designing the session, we will allocate dedicated time for contributions from both groups, allowing for a balanced and dynamic exchange of ideas. We will ensure that the session structure allows for seamless transitions between onsite and online speakers, fostering a cohesive and inclusive discussion environment.

3) Complementary online tools and platforms will be integrated to enhance participation and interaction during the session. In addition to virtual documents and survey tools mentioned earlier, we may leverage breakout sessions to facilitate focused discussions among smaller groups of participants.