Title: Government Utilizes Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
The Irish government is embracing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster its cybersecurity efforts and combat hacking attempts, according to Tánaiste and leader of the Fianna Fáil party, Micheál Martin. While AI is being explored for potential business applications within the government, Martin confirmed that security officials are already deploying AI tools to safeguard the civil service’s IT infrastructure.
Martin stated that his department is closely monitoring the use of AI for business purposes in line with the National AI strategy. Notably, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has integrated AI-powered security tools into the overall security posture of the government’s core IT infrastructure. The implementation of these tools is aimed at enhancing the protection of sensitive data and systems from hacking attempts.
The managed desktop service, which is provided by the OGCIO, delivers vital IT services to multiple government departments and agencies. These include the Department of Defence, Department of Finance, Department of Housing, and Department of Transport, among others. The service is also utilized by state agencies such as Aras an Uachtarain, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), and the Standards in Public Office Commission.
The government’s adoption of AI for security purposes comes amidst a call for greater consistency in the use of AI across different departments. Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon highlighted the lack of unified approaches within the government regarding the use of AI and specifically mentioned the inconsistency in regulating and monitoring the use of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chat platform. Some departments have prohibited the use of ChatGPT, others are awaiting guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), while a few have conducted trials without concrete expert advice.
As a result, Cannon is proposing a complete ban on the use of ChatGPT across all government departments until the NCSC has conducted thorough assessments and issued appropriate expert guidance. The aim is to ensure that the use of such AI platforms aligns with the government’s cybersecurity objectives and avoids potential vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the Irish government has recognized the potential of AI in enhancing its cybersecurity defenses and protecting valuable IT infrastructures. By deploying AI-powered security tools, the government aims to stay one step ahead of hackers and safeguard crucial data. While efforts are underway to standardize the use of AI platforms, further evaluations and guidance from the NCSC will be essential in ensuring consistency across all government departments.
