The October 2023 Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence marked a significant milestone in the federal government’s embrace of AI technology in combating cyber threats. As the cyberthreat landscape continues to evolve, attackers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including stealth operations, identity theft, social engineering, ransomware, and supply chain attacks. In response to these challenges, agencies are using AI and ML-powered cyber tools to triage threats and simplify the decision-making process, supporting enhanced judgement and actions recommended by SOC engineers. By harnessing the power of AI-driven analytics, agencies can transition from reactive firefighting to proactive threat anticipation. Identifying better ways to harness AI and ML technologies and improving data intelligence applications are crucial steps in this endeavor.

In this episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast, host Lucas Hunsicker delves into the realm of proactive cyber defense with Amir Bagherpour, PhD, Managing Director at Accenture Federal Services. Together, they explore how advancements in AI and ML not only empower agencies to anticipate, understand, and mitigate cyber threats more effectively but also enhance the judgment capabilities of cybersecurity professionals. The discussion underscores the urgency for agencies to move beyond conventional defense mechanisms, especially as geopolitical tensions add complexity to the threat landscape.