CISA Appoints Lisa Einstein as Inaugural AI Chief to Enhance Cybersecurity
Published Date: 2/08/2024
Einstein, a seasoned expert in AI, will lead CISA's efforts to responsibly leverage AI to enhance cybersecurity and secure critical infrastructure
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has appointed Lisa Einstein as its first chief artificial intelligence officer, marking a significant milestone in the agency's efforts to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities. Einstein's selection reflects CISA's commitment to harnessing the power of AI to enhance its cybersecurity initiatives and support the secure implementation of AI technology among critical infrastructure owners and operators across the United States.
Einstein has been at the helm of CISA's AI efforts since 2023, serving as the agency's senior advisor for AI. She has also led the CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee as executive director since 2022. Her technical expertise and inspirational leadership have been instrumental in bringing together colleagues across the agency around a clear and impactful vision for AI adoption.
According to Jen Easterly, CISA director, Einstein has been central to the agency's efforts to understand and respond to the rapid advancements in AI, many of which have significant implications for cyber defense and critical infrastructure security. Easterly expressed her enthusiasm for Einstein's new role, stating that she will help build AI expertise into the fabric of the agency, ensuring that CISA is equipped to effectively leverage the power of AI in the future.
Einstein emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety, security, and trustworthiness in the development and deployment of AI tools. She noted that AI tools have the potential to accelerate progress in making critical systems safer, more reliable, and more capable, but that this can only be achieved through a collaborative effort to ensure responsible AI development and adoption.
The establishment of the chief artificial intelligence officer position is part of CISA's ongoing efforts to institutionalize its responsible AI governance and ensure that critical infrastructure partners develop and adopt AI in a safe and secure manner. This move comes on the heels of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) policy recommendations, which advocate for transparency in AI and emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring of risks associated with advanced AI models.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency responsible for enhancing the security and resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure. CISA works closely with public and private sector partners to identify and mitigate potential threats to critical infrastructure, which includes sectors such as energy, healthcare, and finance.
About Lisa Einstein
Prior to her appointment as chief artificial intelligence officer, Einstein served as CISA's senior advisor for AI and executive director of the CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. She has extensive experience in AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that is responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's policy recommendations aim to promote transparency and accountability in AI development and deployment, while also emphasizing the need for responsible AI governance.
FAQS:
Q: What is the role of the chief artificial intelligence officer at CISA?
A: The chief artificial intelligence officer is responsible for leading CISA's efforts to responsibly leverage AI to enhance cybersecurity and secure critical infrastructure.
Q: What is CISA's approach to AI adoption?
A: CISA is committed to harnessing the power of AI to enhance its cybersecurity initiatives and support the secure implementation of AI technology among critical infrastructure owners and operators.
Q: What is the significance of the NTIA's policy recommendations on AI?
A: The NTIA's policy recommendations advocate for transparency in AI and emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring of risks associated with advanced AI models.
Q: Who is Lisa Einstein, and what is her background in AI and cybersecurity?
A: Lisa Einstein is CISA's first chief artificial intelligence officer, with extensive experience in AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection. She previously served as CISA's senior advisor for AI and executive director of the CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.
Q: What is the goal of CISA's efforts to institutionalize responsible AI governance?
A: CISA aims to ensure that critical infrastructure partners develop and adopt AI in a safe and secure manner, and that the agency is equipped to effectively leverage the power of AI in the future.