Cyber Security in the Age of AI — Five Steps for Protecting Government Data

Oct 31, 2024 | Blog, Uncategorized


City AI Connection is a series of posts on emerging ideas in artificial intelligence, with a focus on government application. These articles are initially shared exclusively with the City AI Connect community and subsequently with a broader audience via the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University website, 
govex.jhu.edu. City AI Connect is a global learning community and digital platform for cities to trial and advance the usage of generative artificial intelligence to improve public services. The community is open exclusively to local government employees. To join, visit cityaiconnect.jhu.edu

By Lena Geraghty

As artificial intelligence permeates public sector operations, local governments, with their enormous stores of sensitive information, are facing new digital threats that demand stronger cyber security measures. 

AI relies on large datasets, and improper handling of government data like social security numbers, medical details, and bank account information can lead to breaches of privacy and data misuse. These systems are prime targets for hacking, putting both individual data and public infrastructure at risk. 

 The good news? Many municipalities already take cyber security seriously — 96 percent of respondents to the Public Technology Institute’s 2023 Local Government Cybersecurity National Survey say that their organization provides cyber security training at least once a year. 

You have probably participated in these exercises, like mock phishing attempts and password updates, in your own organization. These essential practices are a solid start but, in the age of AI, are not enough to adequately protect government-owned data. 

As we close out Cyber Security Awareness Month, here are five steps governments can take to build more resilience in their data infrastructure in the age of AI.

Conduct a Risk Assessment — Evaluate where AI solutions are or will be used, especially in high-risk areas like public safety, utilities, or resident services. Test AI solutions using adversarial scenarios to understand how they can be manipulated or evaded by malicious actors. Then, devise a plan to address these issues.

Build a Strong Foundation of Data Governance — Create an information security policy to ensure airtight collection, storage, and processing of data used in AI models and tools. Focus on limiting the amount of personal and sensitive data processed by AI systems to reduce exposure in the event of an attack.

Engage in Regular Audits and Compliance Checks — Partner with third-party experts to conduct periodic security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in AI systems, datasets, or software solutions. Ensure AI solutions comply with relevant data protection regulations and sector-specific laws. Assess vendors and tech providers for security practices, ensuring they meet your institution’s cyber security standards.

Train Staff and Build Awareness  Enhance cyber security training to include AI-related risks. Include tips for recognizing highly realistic and persuasive content created by Generative AI tools. Ensure staff understand the incident response process for AI-related security breaches and can act quickly in the event of an attack.

Engage External Experts and Collaborate — Join intergovernmental forums or networks focused on AI security to share best practices, threat intelligence, and resources. If you are a city government employee, GovEx’s City AI Connect is a great place to start. This field is constantly evolving so partner with cyber security and AI specialists to remain up-to-date on the latest threats and defensive techniques.

Lena Geraghty is a data and government advisor for GovEx. 

 

NECoPA 2024: Public Sector Performance Enhancers

NECoPA 2024: Public Sector Performance Enhancers

Earlier this month, members of the GovEx team were honored to present during the Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA) held at Pace University in New York City. GovEx coaches supporting Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative's Data track—Rachel...

Celebrating a year of City AI Connect

Celebrating a year of City AI Connect

Two weeks ago, GovEx marked the one-year anniversary of City AI Connect, the global learning community and digital platform for cities to trial and advance the use of generative artificial intelligence to improve public services. In the year since GovEx and Bloomberg...

City AI Connection: AI and Misinformation

City AI Connection: AI and Misinformation

City AI Connection is a series of posts on emerging ideas in artificial intelligence, with a focus on government application. These articles are initially shared exclusively with the City AI Connect community and subsequently with a broader audience via the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University website, govex.jhu.edu.

How Machine Learning Really Works

How Machine Learning Really Works

City AI Connection is a series of posts on emerging ideas in artificial intelligence, with a focus on government application. These articles are initially shared exclusively with the City AI Connect community and subsequently with a broader audience via the Bloomberg...

The Risks of Generative AI: Familiar Challenges and Emerging Threats

The Risks of Generative AI: Familiar Challenges and Emerging Threats

City AI Connection is a series of posts on emerging ideas in artificial intelligence, with a focus on government application. These articles are initially shared exclusively with the City AI Connect community and subsequently with a broader audience via the Bloomberg...

Celebrating 10 years of the DATA Act

Celebrating 10 years of the DATA Act

Last week, at GovEx’s event to mark the 10th anniversary of the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act, Robert Shea, a former leader at the White House Office of Management and Budget, described the Act as “the most significant advancement in government transparency in the world before or after.”

NAPA, GovEx join forces to expand support for local governments

NAPA, GovEx join forces to expand support for local governments

Left to right, Tony Spearman-Leach, NAPA Director of Development and Philanthropy, Gillian Townsend, NAPA Business Development and Philanthropy Manager, Rudy De Leon Dinglas, GovEx Director of Planning and Operations, Terry Gerton, NAPA President and CEO, Amy Edwards...

Seattle launches citywide data strategy as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance

Seattle launches citywide data strategy as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance

Last month, Seattle became the latest city to release a citywide data strategy as part of its work with the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance.

Seattle’s new three-year One Seattle Data Strategy, crafted in collaboration with the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University (GovEx) coaches as part of the city’s participation in the City Data Alliance, doubles down on existing best practices and explores opportunities for improvement and collaboration.

GovEx Joins U.S. Tech Policy Network

GovEx Joins U.S. Tech Policy Network

By Amy Edwards Holmes  Recently, I joined a group of local leaders from around the country at the White House to discuss how we can work to align new technology and data practices to improve the lives of all Americans. I’m proud that the Bloomberg Center for...