The U.K. is launching a new AI security research lab aimed at combating threats from Russia and other adversarial states in what it refers to as the “new AI arms race.” This initiative comes in response to the increasing use of AI in nation-state cyberattacks.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) will receive an initial government investment of £8.22 million ($10.3 million), but it plans to attract additional contributions from industry partners through its “catalytic model.”
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasized at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London that the U.K. and its allies are closely monitoring Russia’s activities and are actively countering its cyberattacks both publicly and privately. The lab’s main goal is to protect the U.K. and its allies from emerging cyber threats, working alongside various government departments like the Foreign Office, GCHQ, the Alan Turing Institute, and the AI Safety Institute. Academic institutions such as the University of Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast are also involved, with plans for collaboration with countries in the Five Eyes alliance and NATO members.
Russia has been a key player in recent cyberattacks, prompting calls for stronger responses from governments. AI, while it can enhance cyberattacks by enabling real-time evasion and more efficient exploitation of vulnerabilities, also offers the potential for stronger defenses. The U.K.’s new lab will leverage AI to develop advanced cyber defense tools and improve intelligence gathering and analysis.
In addition, the U.K. government introduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in July, aimed at safeguarding public services following a rise in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure like hospitals.