This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Security Business magazine. Don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter if you share it.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence technology, businesses are increasingly integrating AI systems into physical security technologies such as video surveillance and access control that promise enhanced security, streamlined operations, and improved incident response.
However, as AI becomes more embedded in these critical systems, the need for robust AI governance has become evident. AI governance validates output data and confirms its authenticity, which is a vital step towards ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. In turn, one of the emerging roles within this domain is AI Governance Specialist, whose primary responsibility is to validate the output data from AI systems and confirm authenticity. These specialists play a key role in safeguarding data integrity, enhancing decision-making, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
For companies looking to harness the power of AI while mitigating risks, investing in AI governance is not just a necessity – it is a strategic imperative.
The Importance of AI Governance in Physical Security
When it comes to physical security technologies, AI governance can be broken down into a the following key categories:
Ensuring accuracy and reliability: AI systems – particularly those involving machine learning algorithms – are only as good as the data they are trained on and the parameters set by their developers. These systems can produce erroneous or biased outputs if not carefully monitored and validated. AI governance ensures that the outputs generated by AI systems, such as facial recognition or behavior analysis, are accurate, reliable, and free from biases that could lead to false alerts or missed detections.
Mitigating ethical concerns: AI technologies pose several risks, including privacy issues, security threats, and ethical dilemmas. For example, AI-powered surveillance systems can inadvertently reinforce societal biases present in their training data, leading to discriminatory practices. AI governance frameworks help identify and mitigate these risks by establishing ethical guidelines and compliance standards that AI systems must adhere to, ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
Regulatory compliance: With the rise of AI, regulatory bodies worldwide are introducing new laws and guidelines to govern its use, particularly in surveillance and access control. For example, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes provisions that impact AI, such as the right to explanation and data minimization. Companies must comply with these regulations to avoid legal repercussions. Effective AI governance helps businesses navigate these complex regulatory landscapes by implementing policies and procedures that ensure compliance.
The Role of AI Governance Specialists
An AI governance specialist can provide value to an organization by addressing some fundamental elements of AI-enabled systems. It will be critical for integrators to work with these specialists when introducing AI-based physical technologies in customer organizations. Here’s a closer look at what they are watching for:
Validating output data: One of the primary responsibilities of an AI Governance Specialist is to validate the output data generated by AI systems. This involves assessing the data for accuracy, consistency, and reliability. Specialists should use “air-gapped” or raw data to cross-check AI outputs, such as identifying suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts, against known benchmarks and standards, ensuring that the data is trustworthy and actionable.
Confirming authenticity: In addition to validating the accuracy of AI outputs, AI Governance Specialists should also focus on confirming the authenticity of data. This process includes verifying the source of the data, ensuring that it has not been tampered with, and confirming that it meets the necessary quality standards. By doing so, they help maintain the integrity of the data used by AI systems, which is crucial for making informed security decisions.
Monitoring and auditing: AI Governance Specialists should also be responsible for continuously monitoring and auditing AI systems to detect any anomalies or deviations from expected behavior. Regular audits help identify potential issues early on, allowing companies to take corrective actions before any significant harm occurs. This proactive approach ensures that AI systems remain aligned with security objectives and ethical standards.
Developing and implementing governance frameworks: Creating a robust AI governance framework is essential for managing the complexities associated with AI technologies. AI Governance Specialists play a crucial role in developing these frameworks, which include policies, procedures, and best practices for AI deployment and use. They ensure that these frameworks are consistently applied across the organization, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior.
Why it Matters
In today’s digital age, a company’s reputation can be significantly impacted by how it uses and manages AI technologies. Incidents involving biased AI outputs or data breaches can lead to public backlash and loss of trust. By employing AI Governance Specialists, companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical AI practices, thereby protecting their reputation and building customer confidence.
As security consultants and integrators recommend or provide these AI-driven systems to end-users, they should advise customers when and why they should employ an AI Governance Specialist. This is especially true for high-consequence, high-profile, and high-target-value organizations.
Reliable and authentic data is the cornerstone of effective decision-making, especially when its concerning security and the protection of assets. AI Governance Specialists should ensure that the data used by AI systems is accurate and trustworthy, leading to better security insights and outcomes. This enhances the overall decision-making process, allowing companies to leverage AI’s full potential while minimizing risks.
Companies that prioritize AI governance are better positioned to leverage AI technologies effectively and ethically. This not only helps in mitigating risks but also provides a competitive advantage by fostering innovation and improving operational efficiency. Businesses that invest in AI governance are likely to be more agile and resilient, adapting quickly to changing security threats and technological advancements.
