The UK has announced the creation of a new AI Security Research Laboratory (LASR), designed to protect Britain and its allies against malicious use of this technology by hostile nations like Russia.
In a speech on Monday (25 November) at the NATO Cyber Defense Conference, the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, will reveal details of the laboratory, which will partner with experts from UK universities, intelligence agencies and industry to develop new AI. cyber defense solutions based on cyber defense solutions.
It will also collaborate with institutions from like-minded countries, starting with the Five Eyes countries and NATO allies.
McFadden will say the lab is needed to ensure the UK stays ahead in the “new AI arms race” with adversaries such as Russia and North Korea.
“AI is already revolutionizing many areas of life, including national security. But as we develop this technology, there is a risk that it will be used as a weapon against us. Because our adversaries are also thinking about how to use AI on the physical and cyber battlefield.
The laboratory will develop new cyber defense tools and help intelligence agencies collect, analyze and produce more useful data, it says.
The LASR will receive a first round of government funding of £8.22 million ($10.35 million) and will invite further investment and collaboration from industry.
In addition to the new lab, McFadden will announce a new £1 million ($1.25 million) incident response project to share expertise so allies can respond more effectively to cyber incidents.
Russia could ‘turn off the lights’ in the UK
McFadden is also expected to use his speech to warn that Russia is planning destructive cyberattacks on the UK, including targeting power grids and “turning off the lights of millions of people”.
He will say that cyberwarfare is now an everyday reality, with the UK’s defenses constantly tested.
The announcement follows heightened tensions between the UK and Russia following confirmation that British-made missiles were used by the Ukrainian military to strike targets inside Russian territory.
This led Russian President Vladimir Putin to threaten to directly target UK military installations in response.