The Impact of AI and Cybersecurity on Homeland Security

You've probably noticed more people talking about artificial intelligence over the past few years as new generative models continue to advance. Like most fields, the use of AI in cybersecurity has only grown. According to MixMode's State of AI in Cybersecurity Report for 2024, fifty-three percent of organizations say their use of AI is currently in the early stage of adoption.

These new AI models have also had an impact on homeland security and how we streamline operations to deal with threats, emergencies, and disasters. Below, we'll explore some of the ways teams within the Department of Homeland Security are using AI to their advantage and preparing for new forms of attacks that use the same technologies.

AI and Cybersecurity in Homeland Security

As AI continues to advance, the ways in which it's used across industries are becoming more nuanced. Within the vast field of homeland security, experts have learned ways to leverage AI as a tool that can assist in both threat detection and emergency response. While AI touches nearly every job in some way, the goal is to augment the work of trained experts rather than replace them. By using it correctly, agencies have found ways to streamline and standardize processes, which frees up time and energy for aspects of homeland security that require more detailed human work.

Threat Detection and Prevention

Much of AI's application in threat detection boils down to reducing large amounts of data to focus in on potential threats. This helps human experts focus on the anomalies without wasting precious time.

• Predictive analytics: By creating advanced algorithms built to recognize patterns, cybersecurity experts can detect security threats before they have time to fully form. However, according to Paloalto Networks, criminals have learned to counter these strategies with techniques such as polymorphic malware, zero-day exploits, and phishing attacks with generative AI. That's why it's important for organizations like The Department of Homeland Security to always stay on top of the latest AI technology.
• Pattern recognition: Using different forms of pattern recognition such as statistical, syntactic, neural, template-matching, and hybrid, machine learning algorithms can provide crucial data in identifying and preventing threats.
• Border security applications: According to one Adjunct Professorial Lecturer in Justice, Law, and Criminology at American University, AI has been used in border security for a long time. Trade and transportation agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) have a long history with methods like facial recognition, passenger name recognition, X-ray technology, and data anomaly analysis.

Emergency Management

When it comes to emergency management, the Department of Homeland Security has a variety of current and planned applications. These range from utilizing large language models for chat systems to predicting emergency response resource needs.

• Hazard mitigation: With the help of a large language model, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "processes prompts and user responses to create detailed, regulatory-compliant Hazard Mitigation Plan sections." This can help make serving local governments and communities more efficient.
• Digital Processing Procedural Manual: The Digital Processing Procedural Manual (D-PPM) is an AI-based search engine, designed to enhance agent support in call centers and remote field services locations. This AI model helps "enhance agent support, encourage proper utilization of guidance and procedures, and ensure a consistent, empathic survivor experience."
• Incident Management Workforce Deployment Model: The Incident Management Workforce Deployment Model uses historical data to predict how FEMA might need to respond to disasters and emergencies. By using AI to analyze how teams have reacted in the past, this model can ensure FEMA has the necessary resources when an emergency occurs. This model does not determine who is staffed but can be helpful in determining staffing levels.

Cybersecurity Evolution with AI

As AI becomes more widespread, its capacity to do harm also grows, especially in the realm of cybercrime. Deep fakes, AI cyberattacks, and using AI for social engineering are all reasonable concerns that experts are working hard to predict and prevent. In response to these potential threats, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has developed a roadmap to "promote the beneficial uses of AI to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, ensure AI systems are protected from cyber-based threats, and deter the malicious use of AI capabilities to threaten the critical infrastructure Americans rely on every day." This plan includes:

• Responsibly using AI to support CISA's mission
• Assuring AI systems protect critical infrastructures from malicious use of AI
• Collaborating and communicating on key AI efforts with the interagency, international partners, and the public
• Expanding AI expertise within the CISA workforce

AI is also beneficial in detecting anomalies in online systems. By identifying patterns and looking for unusual activities, AI can help us stay one step ahead of cyber-criminals.

What's Next in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity?

Given AI's significant impact on cybersecurity, we're moving into an era where professionals and job candidates are expected to understand its applications. Whether it's protecting valuable information and computer systems, ensuring the safety of our borders, or providing the appropriate response to disasters, AI is here to stay.

Those interested in cybersecurity or homeland security careers will need to develop knowledge of deep learning and machine learning as well as understand the applications of AI systems.

Begin Your Career Journey

The right education is vital if you're interested in a career with the Department of Homeland Security. American University's online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to pursue your next career move with confidence. You'll learn about the most up-to-date methods of identifying threats and preventing crimes from expert faculty with experience in the field. Learn more and apply today to take this first step toward your career.

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