AI to fight AI: Local governments consider artificial intelligence for cybersecurity

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Eastern Shore) moderated a panel Wednesday on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference. Aug. 15, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown.

As state and local governments grapple with a shifting digital and computer landscape in the form of artificial intelligence, counties have an “obligation” to learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence into cybersecurity efforts, officials said.

“This is so important for our local governments, because local governments have to figure out how, not only do we best utilize artificial intelligence, but how do we also protect our constituents and protect information. How do you strike that balance?”asked Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Eastern Shore).

She was moderating a panel Wednesday at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference called “Sentinels of the Digital Realm: AI’s Role in Fortifying Cybersecurity.” It was one of several sessions and conversations taking place this week about the many ways government agencies can use AI, such as in economic development, public benefit enrollments and communications.

Among other uses, AI is becoming a bigger player in cybersecurity systems.

Stephen Pereira, director of technology services for Calvert County, who was on the panel, believes that cybersecurity is now an arms race: Using AI to counter cyberattacks from bad actors using AI to hack into systems.

“If you’re not using AI within cybersecurity, then you’re not going to have real-time information on ransomware attacks and … you’re not going to be able to act with the same kind of speed and real-time information,” he said. “Hackers are using AI. The only way to fight AI is with AI.”

The only way to fight AI is with AI

– Stephen Pereira

But Pereira urged county and state officials to consider the cons of using AI as well.

He noted that AI requires a lot of energy to operate.

“There are other things we have to consider, the environment threat of these systems. They use a tremendous amount of power and data. They are incredibly expensive to run,” Pereira said.

Using AI brings its own risks of cybersecurity concerns regarding the distribution and use of data. He also noted that as AI performs tasks that people are typically paid to do, there could be “mass job displacements,” and other economic threats.

He even touched on the “existential threat” of AI, as some people who are not as educated on the uses, capabilities and limitations may not trust AI programs.

“Whether or not you think Ai is going to make us completely obsolete and destroy the human race? I don’t know. I think it’s unlikely – I’m not ruling it out,” he joked.

Timothy Gilday, emerging technology senior director of General Dynamics Information Technology, agreed that there are general “trust issues” when it comes to AI.

“Trust is the thing that inhibits adoption at a  large scale, whether it’s an app, and ATM, a new car model. All new technology ends up going against resistance if it’s something we’re not used to,” Gilday said.

“How long does it take us to adopt it because we have trust issues with it?” he said during Wednesday’s panel. “With AI, I would say that the bar is much higher.”

But Gilday argues that education around AI will help bridge that trust concern.

“Education and awareness is what I’ve been finding the biggest inhibitor in adopting AI … it’s more of a matter of helping people understand,” he said. “This isn’t just some unwieldy monster that we’re dealing with. It’s code.”

Carozza believes that the panel discussions should help “all of us in state and local government on how we can do the best we can in AI and cybersecurity.” And as a member of the Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee, she said she is interested in learning more about AI issues.

“Our chair has tasked all of us to come more up to speed,” she said, referring to Sen. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery).