Russia and other UK adversaries are planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen cyber-attacks on the UK’s critical infrastructure, warned Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden during a NATO conference in London on Monday.
To address these threats, McFadden announced the launch of the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) in London. This £8.2 million research program, supported by GCHQ and other agencies, aims to counter emerging AI-driven cyber risks.
McFadden highlighted that Russia could potentially use AI to disrupt the UK’s electricity grid, media, telecoms, and energy systems. He stressed that “cyber-attacks could leave millions without power” and noted an increase in Russian hacking efforts targeting NATO allies supporting Ukraine.
Russia has a history of cyber-attacks on power networks, as seen in Ukraine in 2015 and 2016. With AI’s growing role in cyber tools, other nations like North Korea have already used it to create advanced hacking systems. McFadden emphasized the importance of staying ahead of such threats.
The government hopes the private sector will also join efforts to strengthen defenses against these risks.
Source: theguardian
