UK businesses are set to benefit from a ‘world-first’ cybersecurity standard designed to protect AI systems from cyber-attacks, with the hope of securing the digital economy, transforming public services and boosting productivity.

Under steps set out by the UK Government, companies developing AI – from consumer apps to systems underpinning public services – are able to take advantage of a new Code of Practice  to better protect themselves from growing cybersecurity risks targeting AI systems.

According to the government, safeguarding AI systems is crucial to accelerate its adoption across the economy, with this Code of Practice designed to equip organisations with tools to help protect from threats including hacking and sabotage, as well as to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a secure way.

The government said that the Code will also help developers build secure, innovative AI products, and drive growth under its Plan for Change and AI Opportunities Action Plan. 

The Code sets out how organisations using AI can protect themselves from a range of cyber-threats such as AI attacks and system failures. This can include steps such as implementing cybersecurity training programmes focused on AI vulnerabilities, developing recovery plans following potential cyber-incidents, and carrying out risk assessments.

Published alongside the new Code, the government also released an implementation guide to support businesses as they shore up their cyber-defences, describing this as a ‘one-stop shop’ bringing together guidance and key steps. 

That includes guidance on general staff and role specific AI training, security advice for designing AI applications, directions for secure supply chains, and detailed guidance on how best to protect IP and assets while working with end users. 

“The UK is leading the way in setting global benchmarks for secure innovation, ensuring AI is developed and deployed in an environment that protects critical systems and data which are central to delivering our Plan for Change,” said minister for cybersecurity Feryal Clark, MP.

“This will not only create the opportunities for businesses to thrive, secure in the knowledge that they can be better protected than ever before but support them in delivering cutting-edge AI products that drive growth, improve public services, and put Britain at the forefront of the global AI economy.”

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The voluntary Code of Practice – which was developed in collaboration with UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) –  will form the basis of a new global standard for secure AI through the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), with the UK also spearheading the launch of a new International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces (ICCSW), alongside founding partners including Japan, Singapore, and Canada.

The government said that these partnerships will strengthen international cooperation on cybersecurity, breaking down barriers to career progression and diversity in the sector, which will in turn help to drive growth in the British economy.

NCSC chief technology officer Ollie Whitehouse said: “It is vital that we harness the transformative potential of AI securely so that our society can reap the benefits of new technologies without introducing avoidable vulnerabilities and cyber-risks.

“The new Code of Practice, which we have produced in collaboration with global partners, will not only help enhance the resilience of AI systems against malicious attacks but foster an environment in which UK AI innovation can thrive.”