Securing AI systems: Mitigating risks while driving innovation

AI systems are transforming business operations, but with this growth comes the urgent need to secure them against emerging risks. From protecting sensitive data to ensuring trustworthy outcomes, securing AI systems is now a critical component of responsible governance. Let’s explore what it means, why it matters, and how to take action.?

What is this??

Securing AI systems involves protecting the entire lifecycle of an AI model—data, algorithms, and operations. It ensures data integrity, prevents attacks, and maintains system reliability. Core elements include:?

• Data security to guard against breaches and unauthorized access.?

• Model integrity to prevent manipulations and biases.?

• Operational resilience to defend against disruptions and cyberattacks.?

By securing these elements, businesses can innovate confidently and responsibly.?

Why does it matter for your organization??

AI systems handle sensitive tasks and data, making them high-value targets for cyber threats. Securing them is essential for:?

• Building trust with customers and stakeholders.?

• Meeting compliance standards like the EU AI Act and US state laws.?

• Preventing financial losses from breaches or model failures.?

Securing AI systems helps reduce risks, maintain compliance, and safeguard your organization's reputation.

How can you put it into practice??

1. Assess vulnerabilities: Identify risks in your data, models, and operations.?
2. Strengthen data governance: Use encryption, access controls, and privacy-enhancing technologies tools.?
3. Test for threats: Deploy red teaming to simulate attacks to uncover and address weak points.?
4. Monitor continuously: Detect anomalies and update models regularly.?
5. Collaborate across teams: Involve security, compliance, business leaders, and end users.?
6. Leverage advanced tools: Use solutions like OneTrust Data & AI Governance to simplify risk management and compliance.?

Securing AI systems is essential for building trust, staying compliant, and driving responsible innovation. For a deeper dive into strategies for trustworthy procurement and governance, download the eBook Securing Reliable AI Solutions to explore actionable steps for enhancing the security and reliability of your AI initiatives.

Timeline: AI's emerging trends and journey??

• Brazil approved an AI bill focusing on risk-based regulation and human rights protections. The bill bans certain AI uses and imposes penalties for non-compliance.?
• EDPB issued guidance on certain data protection aspects related to the processing of personal data in the context of AI models. It details criteria for considering AI models as anonymous. Learn more here.??
• Italy's Garante fined OpenAI €15M for GDPR breaches in ChatGPT management. Check out Garante findings here.??
• South Korea passed an AI development law to enhance life quality and competitiveness. The bill is to be transferred to the government for approval.?
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a blog discussing the risks of consumer harm associated with AI, citing surveillance, fraud, and discrimination concerns.?

Your AI 101: What is...??

As the use of generative AI increases, both regulations and users demand measures to identify what’s been created using this technology, fostering transparency and ensuring the responsible use of AI. AI watermarking addresses this by adding a visible or invisible mark to content created or significantly modified by AI.?

Several jurisdictions have already established some requirements for AI watermarking. Pennsylvania mandates visible watermarks covering at least 30% of AI-generated material. In China, guidelines emphasize both explicit and implicit watermarks for clear identification. Meanwhile, California requires imperceptible and maximally indelible watermarks embedded into synthetic content.?

While watermarking images and videos is relatively straightforward, texts are a different story. To address this challenge, Google unveiled its invisible watermark for AI-generated text.??

What’s your take on AI watermarking? Share in the comments!?

Follow this human?

Bryan McGowan , Global Trusted AI Leader at KPMG , helps organizations harness AI’s power ethically and responsibly. Honored by the Responsible AI Institute as an Outstanding Individual in the RAISE 2024 Awards.?