Operationalizing AI-Enabled Security: A Playbook for Federal Cyber Defenders

The stakes for federal cyber defenders have never been higher, as adversaries exploit generative AI to launch faster, more complex attacks. With cybercriminals exfiltrating data in as little as 72 minutes, and a global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, agencies struggle to keep up with the volume and speed of security threats. Federal agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize their security frameworks in alignment with policies like Executive Orders 14028 and 14110. To overcome these challenges, AI-driven security solutions offer powerful tools to automate routine tasks, improve threat detection, and provide data-driven insights. However, agencies must balance innovation with caution to fully leverage AI’s potential while managing associated risks.