Cyber ​​defense will require AI capabilities to safeguard digital borders

Countries will need to ensure they have the right skills to strengthen their cyber security and protect their digital borders as technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) are adopted and continue to develop.

Singapore, for one, is looking to suit up its cyber armed forces and train future talent with advanced AI capabilities. The cyber defense unit of the Singapore Armed Forces, known as the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), on Saturday entered into an agreement with AI Singapore to “deepen national AI expertise” for digital defence.

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Launched in May 2017 by the National Research Foundation, AI Singapore is tasked with building the country’s AI capabilities and ecosystem, partnering with local startups and companies developing AI products.

The collaboration will help DIS keep pace with AI innovation in academia and industry. It is hoped that this combined approach will ensure that the cyber defense armed forces can tap the growing data volumes in Singapore to better detect and respond to growing cyber threats, the Ministry of Defense said.

The ministry said that DIS can take advantage of Singapore’s industry and talent development schemes for AI, including 100 experiments and an AI apprenticeship program. These skills will be used to boost the ability to apply advanced AI techniques, such as large language models, and integrate them into national defense operations.

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The partnership will also see DIS expand its course offering to include AI Singapore’s LearnAI module. DIS will tap into AI Singapore’s existing student network to boost its talent pool. For example, participants in the AI ​​apprenticeship program can contribute to national defense development through various projects.

Koo Seng Meng, Head of AI Singapore, said, “Our partnership with DIS will ensure that Singapore has a strong and flexible pipeline of AI talent, who have the knowledge of issues relevant to national defense and the skills to protect our digital borders and create opportunities for Singapore. expertise relevant to the protection of LearnAI.

A cyber security training program was also launched on Friday, targeting mid-career professionals and fresh graduates with no prior training. Known as the CSIT Cyber ​​Traineeship Program, this full-time, seven-month paid training course aims to train and re-skill 100 individuals over the next three years.

The training scheme is managed by the Center for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT), a technical agency that sits within the Ministry of Defense of Singapore. Selected course applicants will be matched with a CSIT mentor and cyber security expert, who will guide students through their reskilling and training journey.

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Candidates who complete the program will be offered a permanent role at CSIT with a minimum tenure of two years.

Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said building a strong cyber security talent pool is important as new technologies including machine learning, AI, Internet of Things and Web 3.0 are integrated into daily life.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebrations of CSIT, where he announced the launch of the training scheme, Teo said: “Rogue actors are exploiting technology for their nefarious goals. Hence, the security picture has evolved. Malicious actors are very sophisticated. techniques and tactics, whether to steal sensitive information or to bring down critical infrastructure for political reasons or profit.

“Ransomware attacks are bringing down digital government services globally for extended periods. Corporations are not spared. Hackers continue to breach sophisticated systems and put stolen personal data, and classified information, up for sale “

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Teo also said that deepfakes and bot farms are generating fake news to manipulate public opinion, with increasingly sophisticated content that blurs the line between fact and fiction, which can be exploited by generative AI like ChatGPT. Tools are expected to mature and become widely available.

“Threats like these reinforce our need to develop robust capabilities that will support our security agencies and keep Singapore safe,” the minister said. “The security landscape is ever-evolving, especially in the digital domain. We need to anticipate new technologies and create solutions that strengthen our defense and security. An important task for agencies like CSIT to attract talented people imperative.”

Singapore’s information communications workforce has grown by 40% during the past five years, but Teo said demand for professionals remains strong. There were 9,000 job openings in the sector last September, he said, adding that this figure already accounted for tech layoffs during the past year.