Published on: August 8, 2024
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently added Lisa Einstein as its new first chief AI officer.
The new position was created to manage AI projects within CISA, such as the pilot for AI-enabled vulnerability detection. This project was originally given to CISA via executive order by the Biden administration.
Back in July, CISA released a report detailing that it believes security models should use AI to supplement existing security systems, rather than replacing them completely. Using this report as a basis, the agency began to implement cybersecurity advancements rapidly.
In the past, Einstein served as a senior advisor for AI integration. Colleagues described her as essential to several processes. Before becoming the first officer, she had already created an adoption roadmap and served a key role in managing the entire agency’s AI integration.
“I could not be more thrilled to have her take on this important new role, which will help us continue to build AI expertise into the fabric of our agency and ensure we are equipped to effectively leverage the power of AI well into the future,” says Jen Easterly, CISA Director.
She also led the charge to obtain 50 AI experts from 15 companies to work alongside the agency in strengthening national defenses.
“I care deeply about CISA’s mission — if we succeed, the critical systems that Americans rely on every day will become safer, more reliable, and more capable. AI tools could accelerate our progress,” Einstein explains.
“But we will only reap their benefits and avoid harms from their misapplication or abuse if we all work together to prioritize safety, security, and trustworthiness in the development and deployment of AI tools.”
The Department of Homeland Security, CISA’s parent agency, also supports Einstein’s promotion.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa to advance our common goal of safe, secure and resilient AI.” states CAIO Eric Hysen.