Cybersecurity and AI
As digital threats evolve in both complexity and scale, international collaboration is essential to bolstering cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguarding emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. In recognition of these shared challenges, a group of cybersecurity professionals and government officials from India traveled to the United States for a three-week International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This initiative focused on strengthening cyber defense capabilities, understanding AI governance, and addressing cyber and supply chain vulnerabilities through multi-sector partnerships.
Project Objectives
- Explore U.S. cybersecurity policy frameworks, including federal and state-level responses to cyber threats and breaches.
- Examine strategies for AI governance, responsible innovation, and risk mitigation in digital ecosystems.
- Assess supply chain security and resilience across sectors.
- Identify opportunities for cross-border collaboration and public-private partnerships in cybersecurity and AI.
Project Design
Washington, D.C.: The program began in the U.S. capital with a foundational briefing on federalism, which helped participants contextualize how cybersecurity strategy is coordinated across federal, state, and local levels. At the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), participants engaged with top cybersecurity experts, toured two cutting-edge labs, and learned about standardized frameworks for cyber risk management. A pivotal meeting at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided insight into breach response protocols and the federal government’s rapid response mechanisms in the face of cyberattacks. Outside of meetings, visitors noted the accessibility of public resources like libraries and museums as powerful tools for civic engagement and education.
Seattle, WA: In Seattle, participants explored the intersection of technology, innovation, and cybersecurity. Meetings introduced visitors to the region’s dynamic tech ecosystem and highlighted the role of academic institutions, the private sector, and local government in addressing digital security challenges. These engagements offered a broader understanding of how U.S. stakeholders are approaching emerging technologies like artificial intelligence within a cybersecurity context.
San Antonio, TX: San Antonio offered insights into how regional collaboration strengthens national cybersecurity objectives. Through meetings with local leaders and institutions, participants examined the ways communities build cyber resilience through education, workforce development, and partnerships across sectors. The stop underscored the importance of localized approaches to cybersecurity and the value of integrating various perspectives into national security strategies.
Orlando, FL: The final stop on the program provided participants with exposure to innovation hubs focused on emerging technologies and national security. Through site visits and discussions with local experts, visitors explored how simulation, training, and collaborative environments contribute to advancing cybersecurity resilience. The experience reinforced how regional ecosystems can play a critical role in national cyber preparedness and offered valuable insights into cross-sector collaboration at the local level.
Impact and Next Steps
Participants emphasized their appreciation for the decentralized nature of U.S. cybersecurity policymaking, which contrasted with their expectations of a more D.C.-centric approach. The engagement across cities demonstrated how collaborative models at the state and local levels play a critical role in national cyber preparedness. The candid conversations with U.S. counterparts — including discussions of vulnerabilities and areas for improvement — were particularly meaningful and built trust among peers.
In the coming months, participants are expected to:
- Adapt U.S. models of public-private partnerships to strengthen India’s national and regional cybersecurity ecosystems.
- Share learnings on standardized frameworks for cyber incident response with home institutions to streamline coordination.
- Explore bilateral collaboration opportunities with U.S. counterparts met during the program, particularly in AI ethics and cyber training.
Project summary
| Cybersecurity and AI | |
|---|---|
| Regions: | South and Central Asia |
| Countries: | India |
| Impact Areas: | Science and Technology |
| Program Areas: | Global Leadership |