WIREDGOV NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
AI; Opening Pandora’s Box? |
The following is an ICO discussion regarding new security risks associated with AI, whereby the personal data initially used to train the system might subsequently be revealed by the system itself. This post is part of the ICO’s ongoing Call for Input on developing the ICO framework for auditing AI. We encourage you to share your views by leaving a comment below or by emailing us at AIAuditingFramework@ico.org.uk. In addition to exacerbating known data security risks, as we have discussed in a previous blog, AI can also introduce new and unfamiliar ones. For example, it is normally assumed that the personal data of the individuals whose data was used to train an AI system cannot be inferred by simply observing the predictions the system returns in response to new inputs. However, new types of privacy attacks on Machine Learning (ML) models suggest that this is sometimes possible. In this update we will focus on two kinds of these privacy attacks – ‘model inversion’ and ‘membership inference’. While the ICO’s overall Security guidelines already apply, as part of our AI auditing framework we are keen to hear your feedback about what you think would be reasonable approaches to threat modelling in relation to these attacks, and other best-in-class organisational and technical controls to address them. |
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ICO: Privacy attacks on AI models |
Open, outward facing and collaborative equals more vulnerable! |
The NCSC’s threat assessment aims to raise awareness of state-sponsored espionage targeting high-value research, as well as the risk of financial losses at the hands of cyber criminals. While the NCSC has been working with the academic sector on an ongoing basis to improve security practices, this is the first threat assessment it has produced specifically for universities. The assessment notes that while cyber criminals using methods such as phishing attacks and malware pose the most immediate, disruptive threat, the longer-term threat comes from nation states intent on stealing research for strategic gain. To mitigate the risks, universities are encouraged to adopt security-conscious policies and access controls, as well as to ensure potentially sensitive or high-value research is separated rather than stored in one area. Why are attacks against universities successful? In both culture and technology, universities are one of the most open and outward facing sectors. This enables and eases collaboration between academics across borders, and is likely a key component of their success. Unfortunately, this also eases the task of an attacker. Measures to support universities have been outlined in Trusted Research, from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and the NCSC, which offers accessible and actionable cyber security advice for university leaders, staff & researchers. The threat assessment for universities can be read here with a blog post also discussing the research in detail. |
Researched Links: |
NCSC: First threat assessment for universities produced by the NCSC Updated statement on Lancaster University cyber incident HEPI and Jisc call for university managers & governors to take urgent action A higher IQ doesn’t necessarily lead to adequate Cyber Security |
Editor’s choice of other ICT items of note: |
MHCLG: Communities Secretary commits funding to tackle online hate EIOPA calls for a sound cyber resilience framework GDS: Hackney Council’s approach to moving to a cloud-first model from the PSN AXELOS: PRINCE2 – professional skills for non-project managers |
Providing Real-world validation of products & services |
A 3-year collaborative programme has been launched to improve health & care across the Liverpool City Region. The £1.9m Health Matters programme will help businesses take advantage of knowledge & expertise in the partnership to help develop solutions to challenges, receive guidance on funding opportunities and navigate the health ecosystem. The programme will also provide real-world validation of products & services, showing evidence of impact and benefits. The programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims to catalyse businesses in the Liverpool City Region to become market leaders in health, wellbeing and care by encouraging the development of products, services and solutions. |
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Innovation Agency: Collaboration aims to boost health & care NICE: 3 areas where NICE's collaboration with CMAC can make a difference Audit Scotland: Better collaboration needed to deliver health and social care integration New network to tackle health inequalities across the region Medicines project delivers £9.5 million savings Business Case for Collaborating in the Cloud |
Editor’s choice of other Health, Social care & Homelessness related items of note: |
DHSC: Fastest drop in smoking rates in over a decade as Stoptober launches CQC: Sandboxing wave two - expressions of interest Patients Association launches new free helpline number NHS Health Scotland: Are you with us? LGA responds to Ombudsman annual review of social care complaints |
SME Supplier Locator update... | ||
UK Government and public sector spend with SME’s is continually on the increase and by 2020, it is the stated intent of Cabinet Office that £1 of every £3 spent on government contracts goes to SME’s. Against this ambitious backdrop, the WiredGov Supplier Locator service has been developed specifically to embrace the SME Agenda and provide the ideal platform for SME’s to promote their services, solutions, accreditation and success stories directly to our ever increasing audience across all government and public sector verticals and Tier 1 suppliers.
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Automate or decline |
Unless the Government steps up efforts to manage the transition to automation, entire regions of the UK face being left behind & British businesses could find themselves being uncompetitive, says BEIS Committee. The Automation and the future of work report finds the UK’s slow place in moving to automation – the UK lags behind its G7 competitors in its adoption of robots – has allowed other countries to steal a march in leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution and seizing upon the opportunities for economic growth and jobs. To ramp up the leadership and co-ordination needed to enable the UK to capitalise on these new technologies, the report urges the Government to come forward with a UK Robot and AI Strategy by the end of 2020. The report outlines a series of measures which could be introduced as part of this strategy, to help support businesses, industries, and universities and boost the adoption of automation. |
Researched Links: |
PC&PE: Businesses face being left behind by transition to new technologies techUK: Coordinated strategies needed for UK to thrive with automation techUK: CDEI publishes snapshot papers on ethical issues in AI Future of Work Commission needed to manage automation – TUC response to BEIS committee The future will be based on AI Hard or Soft, this will be critical to our economy post–Brexit |
Editor’s choice of other Business / Commercial items of note: |
BEIS: Clean energy to power over 7m homes by 2025 at record low prices DIT: UK launches Maritime Trade & Investment Plan to turbocharge multi - £bn maritime sector DfT: An Electric Revolution in the Skies WAG project launched to help people re-write their careers techUK: Greenhouse gas emissions on the rise from road transport in the UK Food Standards Agency: Peanut allergies affected by exercise & sleep deprivation, new study finds Innovate UK: Take a game-changing idea to market - apply for an innovation loan RLA: Universal Credit: Report finds direct payments effective in curbing rent arrears CMA: Major overhaul of hotel booking sector after CMA action |
Editor’s choice of other Policy & General items of note: |
MoD: Coalition Autonomous Systems – the future of military logistics LGA responds to Homes for Later Living report ESRC: UK Climate Resilience town hall meeting NCFE: Sexual Health Education: why inclusivity is key Met Office: Zooming in on climate forecasts: the launch of UKCP Local (2.2km) DIFD: New UK aid support to protect 200m people from debilitating diseases 10DS: PM sets out plans to give the North more control of rail services CO: New measures announced to make sure government supply chains are free from modern slavery Home Office: Terms of reference for independent review of Prevent announced DfE: Education Secretary backs review of university admissions DfT: Transport Secretary acts on HS2 ancient woodland clearances during Oakervee review ScotGov: New jobs benefit to launch next Spring WAG: Action on Disability - The Right to Independent Living IOPC: Learning adopted by two police forces following missing person death in Lincolnshire MoJ: More victims able to challenge ‘unduly lenient’ prison sentences ScotGov: Children and Young People (Information Sharing) Bill |
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Still a ‘hot topic’, with widely spread views: |
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How to prepare if the UK leaves the EU with no deal BEIS: Nationwide government events launched to help businesses get ready for Brexit DExEU: Secretary of State speech at breakfast event hosted by Europa Press in Madrid Defra: Updated guidance on the movement of equines in a no deal scenario 10DS: PM meeting with President of the EC: 16 September 2019 10DS: PM call with Chancellor Angela Merkel: 17 September 2019 10DS: PM calls with European leaders: 18 September 2019 Home Office: A million texts to encourage travellers to check passport validity after Brexit DIT: UK and Lebanon sign trade continuity agreement DIT: UK International Trade Secretary visits New Zealand, Australia and Japan DIT: UK & Australia commit to rapid & ambitious free trade agreement HM Treasury: Irish and British Finance ministers meet for third time FCA steps up efforts to ensure firms are getting ready for a no-deal Brexit FRC: Letter to firms - EU exit preparations ScotGov: Brexit impact on universities WAG no deal Brexit action plan published .OE: European security cooperation after Brexit - Unanswered questions for the UK and the EU B4B: Yellowhammer is no smoking gun B4B: Yellowhammer. A Project Fear Crescendo B4B: The Defence Threat from Hidden EU Deals B4B: Irresponsible media coverage of no-deal planning risks creating problems where none exist
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