Organizations using AI systems need to account for the numerous risks that come along with them. Implementing the ISO 42001 framework and conducting assessments is one of the best ways to manage AI risks, especially when working with a trusted regulatory advisor.
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Assessing AI Risks With ISO 42001
Organizations that want to secure their infrastructure from artificial intelligence (AI) risks need to conduct regular assessments. These assessments help identify and mitigate potential threats. A new framework—ISO/IEC 42001—was jointly published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to support this process.
Assessing, mitigating, and managing AI risks with ISO 42001 all come down to:
- Understanding AI risk environment surrounding AI systems
- Implementing ISO 42001 controls for sound risk management
- Assessing for AI risks and AI-related risks across all systems
These processes are easier to execute, maintain, and improve with expert support. A dedicated advisor like RSI Security can streamline every step.
Understanding the AI Risk Environment
Before AI risks themselves can be understood, organizations need to document all of the components that make up the risk environment surrounding AI systems. This starts with all software and hardware that AI tools directly interact with. That includes devices, programs, and user accounts where AI tools are integrated. The broader environment also covers any networks or geographic locations linked to AI systems. These connections may exist through cloud implementation or arise from proximity, like an exposed port that an attacker could exploit. Taken together, these locations make up the attack surface for AI-related risks.
The other major element of the risk environment is the types of threats present. This includes the kinds of attackers who may target your systems and the specific attack vectors they might use. Common cyberthreats like social engineering can indirectly affect AI tools. More advanced threats may target AI systems directly. See below for more information on these.
Implementing ISO 42001 Security Controls
With a firm grasp on the AI risk environment, it’s time to implement controls to monitor, mitigate, and neutralize risks, along with safeguards and protocols for responding to incidents. ISO 42001 is based on the broader ISO 27001 framework, and both take a top-down, systematic approach to protecting information technology (IT) infrastructure. ISO 42001 in particular focuses on the pillars of leadership, risk management, compliance, and performance. The standard includes 10 clauses that outline specific controls and configurations related to overall operations. More detailed specifications are provided in Annex A. Flexible, robust protections range from policy and organizational controls to data collection and third-party relationship and risk management.
For more practical guidance on the control implementation required prior to risk assessment, check out our webinar on ISO 42001 and AI governance or our accessible ISO 42001 checklist.
Assessing for Risks Related to AI Systems
With all applicable controls in place, you’ll need to assess for efficacy. This includes ensuring that correct configurations are installed and monitoring for AI risks and risk factors to address.
Some of the biggest AI-related risk factors to account for are:
- Data compromise – Monitor information exposed to algorithmic processing to ensure it meets privacy and confidentiality requirements.
- Ineffective AI use – When improperly implemented, automation can create security vulnerabilities through missing or poor protections and/or a lack of human oversight.
- Noncompliance – AI tools need to monitor and protect all sensitive data in accordance with applicable regulations, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, EU GDPR, CMMC, or others.
- Ethical concerns – Organizations must hold AI systems accountable to ethical standards that protect intellectual property and prevent the theft of original ideas.
One of the best ways to cover all these bases in ISO 42001 risk assessments is to work with a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO). A vCISO can streamline assessment prep and execution, along with follow-up remediation and longer-term risk management and compliance.
Rethink Your AI Risk Management Today
Ultimately, AI risks come from both direct threats within and related to AI systems and broader security vulnerabilities that could impact AI functionality. Assessing for and protecting against these risks requires understanding the environment, implementing framework controls, and auditing. Working with a vCISO for ISO 42001 compliance, or contracting the services of a trusted regulatory compliance advisor, can streamline the process and maximize security.
RSI Security has helped countless organizations prepare for and implement AI systems securely. Our team’s expertise with ISO 42001 and other frameworks will facilitate your implementation and assessments. We believe that the right way is the only way to keep stakeholders’ data safe, and we’ll help you rethink your AI security for max protection.
To learn more about our ISO 42001 advisory services, contact RSI Security today!
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