The US government has pledged approximately $3.6 million in cooperative agreements to address the country’s shortage of experienced cybersecurity professionals to combat the soaring cybersecurity threats faced by businesses. The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will allocate funding to 18 education and community-centric organizations across 15 states to develop a cybersecurity workforce that can protect against potential cyber attacks. The cooperative agreement will be overseen by NICE, a partnership between the US government, academia, and the private sector, focusing on cybersecurity education and workforce development. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio expressed optimism about the future of cybersecurity and the impact the grants could have on creating a skilled workforce for high-quality, well-paying jobs.
The selected organizations will collaborate to build Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education that aligns with the NIST projected cybersecurity workforce framework needs of local businesses, firms, and nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to create career pathways for Americans to access training for cybersecurity jobs and contribute to local and regional economic development by addressing the workforce needs of local businesses. The pledge from the US government agency reflects data from the CyberSeek tool, showing a significant demand for cybersecurity professionals in the US job market and the growth of the cybersecurity sector despite tech layoffs. Cyber risks are on the rise in the US, with 83% of organizations experiencing cyber attacks in 2022, leading to significant disruptions and financial losses.
In response to the increasing cybersecurity threats and the importance of AI safety and trust, the US government, through the NIST, announced the establishment of the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI) on November 1, 2023. The USAISI will lead the nation’s efforts on AI safety and trust, as well as evaluate advanced AI models. On February 7, 2024, the US government Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, announced key executive members to lead the USAISI, including Director Elizabeth Kelly and Chief Technology Officer Elham Tabassi. In line with the presidential policy, the NIST created the AI Safety Institute Consortium on February 8, 2024, bringing together over 200 organizations to develop science-based guidelines and standards for AI measurement and policy to ensure the safety of advanced technology for everyone.
The establishment of the USAISI and the creation of the AI Safety Institute Consortium aim to address the capabilities of the next generation of AI models and develop risk management strategies applicable to advanced technologies. This initiative underscores the US government’s commitment to promoting AI safety and trust while supporting the development of science-based guidelines and standards to ensure the responsible and safe deployment of AI technology. The consortium will unite government and industry stakeholders with AI developers and users to collaborate on enhancing the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems and promoting innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. By focusing on cybersecurity and AI safety initiatives, the US government is taking proactive steps to address emerging technology challenges and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
