Artificial Intelligence Experts in Oak Ridge National Laboratory Working to Combat Cyber Attacks

The threat of cyber attacks and ransomware is becoming increasingly common, with an average of 2,200 attacks happening every day. In response to this growing threat, a team of artificial intelligence experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working to stay ahead of hackers.

Larry Bates, the chief information officer at Pellissippi State Community College, recently experienced the stress of a cyber attack firsthand. During the winter final exams, all of the college’s computers were locked down, putting half a million records at risk. Bates received a ransom note from the hackers, adding to the pressure of the situation.

Dr. Edmon Begoli, the director of the Center For Artificial Intelligence Security Research (CAISER), emphasized the importance of using AI in cyber defense systems. However, he also acknowledged the threat posed by hackers who are using AI to generate attacks.

Despite the potential risks, the scientists at CAISER are focused on developing preventative measures rather than offensive capabilities. They are working to ensure that their AI system is one step ahead of cyber threats.

While the hackers at Pellissippi State were ultimately unsuccessful in accessing personal records, the college still had to rebuild hundreds of workstations from scratch. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for cyber attacks and the role that AI can play in preventing them.

Overall, artificial intelligence is already impacting daily life in various ways, from screening resumes to making personalized song suggestions. As technology continues to advance, the importance of AI in cybersecurity will only continue to grow.

As the threat of cyber attacks continues to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to stay vigilant and utilize the latest technology to protect against potential threats.