ACSC issues guidance on using AI in critical infrastructure

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has issued new guidance for critical infrastructure on integrating AI securely into operational technology (OT) environments.

For critical infrastructure owners and operators, AI offers increased efficiency and productivity, enhanced decision-making, reduced operational costs, and improved customer experiences. However, it is important that organisations consider and plan for potential risks.

The ACSC’s guidance, in collaboration with international partners, aims to assist critical infrastructure owners and operators in integrating AI into their OT environments. The guidance outlines four key principles to leverage the benefits of AI in OT systems while minimising risk:

1. Understand AI: Understand the unique risks and potential impacts of AI integration into OT environments, the importance of educating staff on these risks, and the secure AI development life cycle.
2. Considering AI use in the OT domain: Assess the specific business case for AI use in OT environments, and manage OT data security risks, the role of vendors, and the immediate and long-term challenges of AI integration.
3. Establish AI governance and assurance frameworks: Implement robust governance mechanisms, integrate AI into existing security frameworks, continuously test and evaluate AI models, and consider regulatory compliance.
4. Embed safety and security practices into AI and AI-enabled OT systems: Implement oversight mechanisms to ensure the safe operation and cybersecurity of AI-enabled OT systems, maintain transparency, and integrate AI into incident response plans.

To read the guidance and learn more about how an organisation can safely leverage the benefits of AI, click here.

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