Prominent artificial intelligence (AI) giant OpenAI is taking the security of its large-scale language models (LLMs) more seriously, appointing former U.S. Army General Paul M. Nakasone to its board of directors.
US Army General Brings Cybersecurity Experience to OpenAI
General Nakasone will retire in early 2024 after serving in a variety of positions at all levels of the U.S. Army.
Nakasone played a key role in the creation of the U.S. Cyber Command, of which he was the longest serving commander, and also led the National Security Agency (NSA/CSS), responsible for protecting America's digital infrastructure and enhancing cyber defense capabilities.
His missions typically took place in conjunction with elite cyber forces in the United States, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gen. Nakasone will therefore be bringing all of this experience and expertise to the OpenAI Board's Safety and Security Committee, which is responsible for making recommendations on safety and security decisions for all OpenAI projects and operations. This appointment reflects OpenAI's commitment to keeping our models and users' data safe and secure. It also highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity as the impact of AI technology continues to grow.
The AI company, led by Sam Altman, said Nakasone's insights are crucial to OpenAI's efforts to better understand AI's role in strengthening cybersecurity, including faster detection and response to cybersecurity threats, which could help mitigate the occurrence of cyberattacks on hospitals, schools and financial institutions.
Security concerns when hiring new employees
Notably, OpenAI announced the launch of this safety and security committee last month, led by Bret Taylor and including members Altman, Adam D'Angelo, and Nicole Seligman. The decision to introduce the committee came after concerns were expressed about the potential for AI to pose certain risks to humans.
This is ironic for OpenAI, which is currently facing fierce backlash over its hiring of General Nakasone, whose experience with surveillance and concerns about data oversight in its contract with Apple have exacerbated recent security concerns.
On a personal note, the controversy surrounding OpenAI has led to some employees resigning, with former OpenAI employee Jan Leike expressing concern about the company, noting that it appears to prioritize product development over safety measures.
Gen. Nakasone, meanwhile, said OpenAI's mission is consistent with his own values and experience in public service.
Read more: Fed takes action against Evolve Bank, another regional bank failure in sight?
