A Center of AI Excellence at the Labor Department; The Use Case revolution Sweeping the Government

September 11, 2024

Sponsored by Leidos

AI Advancements and Cybersecurity in the U.S. Department of Labor

Lou Charlier, Acting CIO of the U.S. Department of Labor, delves into the Department's forward-thinking efforts in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the upcoming impact of quantum computing. Charlier highlights the creation of an AI Center of Excellence, which was established before the Executive Order on AI and focuses on ensuring that AI use within the Department is ethical, equitable, and secure. He discusses various AI use cases, including the deployment of generative AI tools, internal chat systems, and the use of AI for data analysis. Charlier also emphasizes how AI is becoming a "force multiplier" for enhancing the productivity of staff, especially during times of tight budgets and staffing shortages. The conversation further explores the integration of AI into cybersecurity, with AI playing a critical role in monitoring security threats by analyzing data logs and improving incident response times. Additionally, Charlier touches on the Labor Department’s adoption of a zero-trust security framework to ensure robust cybersecurity across remote and on-premise systems. He looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities posed by quantum computing, which he believes will radically transform both AI capabilities and cybersecurity.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Department of Labor is leveraging AI to enhance staff productivity by automating routine tasks and analyzing vast amounts of data, with a focus on ensuring that AI use remains ethical and does no harm.

2.  AI is being integrated into the Department's cybersecurity operations, analyzing security logs and identifying potential threats more quickly, allowing human security teams to focus on high-priority issues and respond more efficiently.

3. The Department is implementing a zero-trust security architecture to protect its systems across both remote and in-office environments, while also preparing for the disruptive impact quantum computing will have on cybersecurity and AI in the coming years.

Leveraging AI for Mission Success: Use Cases, Adoption, and Cybersecurity Challenge

Seth Abrams, Chief Technology Officer for Homeland and Force Protection, and Carolyn Chipman, Vice President for Homeland and Force Protection Growth at Leidos, discuss the increasing role AI in government agencies and the critical importance of using mission-specific use cases to demonstrate AI’s value. Abrams explains that use cases allow for more practical and focused conversations with agencies, helping to clarify how AI can address specific mission needs. Chipman emphasizes that for AI adoption to succeed, it’s essential to ensure safety, conduct small-group testing, and build user trust, which accelerates broader adoption. They also touch on AI-powered chatbots, which are streamlining internal and external processes by reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency, as demonstrated by Chipman's own experience with a chatbot resolving a technical issue.

Abrams and Chipman further explore AI’s role in cybersecurity, describing it as a "cat-and-mouse" game where both adversaries and defenders are leveraging AI for offense and defense. Abrams highlights how AI can amplify the capabilities of human analysts, but also raises concerns about the risks posed by adversaries using similar technologies. Chipman emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "threat mindset" when deploying AI, urging agencies to carefully vet the provenance of AI products to avoid vulnerabilities. Both experts agree that managing data security and understanding where data is stored and used in AI models are critical, especially as agencies work to balance the opportunities and risks AI presents.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI adoption in federal agencies is most effective when tied to specific use cases, as it helps clarify mission needs and foster meaningful discussions with stakeholders.

2. While AI can enhance cybersecurity defenses, it also creates new risks, requiring a proactive approach to stay ahead of potential adversaries.

3. Ensuring the safety, reliability, and ethical sourcing of AI technologies before deployment, to safeguard data and maintain public trust is pivotal.