AI RISK ALERT: The Cybersecurity Gaps in Federal AI Systems – And What’s Next!

We explore the growing challenge of AI risk assessment across federal agencies. Artificial intelligence is already playing a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure, but ensuring these AI applications are secure from cyber threats remains a major concern. Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the show to break down the latest findings on AI risk management and why no agency has fully met the necessary risk assessment standards.

Tina explains how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with other federal agencies, is responsible for assessing AI risks in 16 critical infrastructure sectors, ranging from transportation and healthcare to energy and communications. While agencies submitted the required risk assessments, GAO found that none fully addressed all six foundational activities necessary for a thorough evaluation. The most significant gap? Not a single agency effectively evaluated the level of AI risk impact—a critical step in understanding vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies. 

As the federal government continues to refine its approach to AI risk management, GAO makes a careful recommendation to DHS. With AI use cases expanding across agencies and private-sector partners, ensuring comprehensive risk assessments is more important than ever. You can find a link to the full GAO report on today’s show page at FedGovToday.com.

Don't forget to catch Fed Gov Today TV this Sunday at 10:30 AM on ABC 7 Washington and on the Fed Gov Today YouTube channel, where top federal technology leaders discuss critical issues, including contract challenges, decision-making with data, and the enterprise approach to solving government tech problems. On the next episode of the podcast, we’ll tackle frequently asked questions about federal retirement as employees face major career decisions.

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