Why AI Security?
The pace of AI progress is accelerating, and with it the stakes. As models become more capable, the cost of compromise rises - from misuse by bad actors to systemic failures at scale. Securing these systems is not a nice-to-have; it’s foundational to deploying AI safely and responsibly. Heron exists to help meet that need by directing elite security talent toward the most consequential problems at the frontier.
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A landmark RAND report in 2024, led by Sella Nevo and Dan Lahav, revealed critical gaps in how AI companies secure their most valuable assets - their model weights - which are the key to accessing the accelerating capabilities of advanced AI. These findings catalyzed the AI security ecosystem to ensure that advanced emerging technology doesn't enable catastrophic risks to society.
AI's Rapid Advance and Potential Risks
The field of AI is developing rapidly and the fierce competition between the frontier AI companies is driving the technology to break new limits at an unprecedented pace. As these systems become more powerful, they also become more dangerous if compromised. In the wrong hands, this technology could become a devastating weapon for malicious actors across the globe.
A Balancing Act: Security vs. Speed
Knowing that with great power comes great responsibility, AI companies face a crucial balancing act: protecting critical assets while driving the tech forward at full speed. This holds an inner tension, since every security measure can potentially slow development. Finding the right balance requires deep expertise and careful consideration.
The Heron Initiative: Field-Building for AI Security
AI security is emerging as one of tech's most critical and fastest-growing sectors. Frontier AI needs more research, policy and new technologies to ensure safe deployment. The stakes couldn't be higher - securing these powerful systems is crucial for humanity's future. The Heron Initiative connects Israel's exceptional cybersecurity professionals with these opportunities, creating pathways for elite talent to shape both the future of technology and society while advancing their careers at the frontier of innovation.
Next-Gen Security for Next-Gen AI
AI security introduces complex new threat models and attack vectors that transform the security landscape. From protecting model weights in distributed training environments to securing edge deployments against jailbreaking attempts, the technical challenges are unprecedented. Security professionals work on novel problems like supply chain hardening for AI chips, defending against model extraction attacks, and developing sophisticated red team frameworks. The field combines advanced persistent threat defense with cutting-edge AI architecture, creating a dynamic space where cybersecurity expertise meets frontier technology.