What are the best practices for securing AI systems?

3 Monitor the performance

The third step for securing AI systems is to monitor and measure their performance and behavior over time and across different contexts and scenarios. This is important to ensure that the AI system is functioning as intended and expected, and that it is not deviating from its original goals, specifications, or standards. Moreover, monitoring the performance can help identify and address any anomalies, errors, or issues that may arise or emerge due to changes in the data, environment, or user feedback. Some of the metrics and indicators that can be used for monitoring the performance include accuracy, precision, recall, robustness, fairness, transparency, explainability, or accountability.

4 Update the system

The fourth step for securing AI systems is to update and maintain them regularly and systematically. This is necessary to keep the AI system up to date with the latest developments and improvements in the data, technology, or domain. Moreover, updating the system can help fix any bugs, vulnerabilities, or flaws that may be discovered or reported, as well as enhance or optimize the functionality, efficiency, or usability of the AI system. Updating the system may involve different activities and processes, such as data cleaning, validation, or augmentation; model retraining, testing, or deployment; or feature addition, modification, or removal.

5 Educate the users

The fifth step for securing AI systems is to educate and inform the users and stakeholders about the capabilities, limitations, and implications of the AI system. This is crucial to foster trust, confidence, and acceptance of the AI system, as well as to promote responsible and ethical use of the AI system. Moreover, educating the users can help prevent or reduce any misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or misapplications of the AI system, as well as any conflicts, disputes, or complaints that may arise or occur. Educating the users may involve different methods and channels, such as documentation, training, guidance, or feedback.

6 Review the policies

The sixth and final step for securing AI systems is to review and revise the policies and regulations that govern the design, development, deployment, and use of the AI system. These policies and regulations may include internal or external rules, standards, or best practices that aim to ensure the quality, safety, security, privacy, ethics, or accountability of the AI system. Moreover, reviewing the policies can help align the AI system with the current and future needs, expectations, or demands of the users, stakeholders, or society. Reviewing the policies may involve different stakeholders and experts, such as developers, analysts, marketers, customers, regulators, or auditors.