Former head of NSA joins OpenAI board
What specific role will Paul M. Nakasone hold on OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee?
Paul M. Nakasone, a retired general of the US Army and a former head of the National Security Agency (NSA), has been appointed to OpenAI's board of directors1. Nakasone will join OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee as a first priority. His role will involve contributing to OpenAI's efforts to better understand how AI can be used to strengthen cybersecurity by quickly detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.
In what ways does OpenAI intend for Nakasone to enhance their cybersecurity measures?
OpenAI aims to leverage Nakasone's extensive experience in cybersecurity to strengthen its overall security measures and ensure the safe deployment of AI technologies. As a former head of the NSA, Nakasone brings invaluable expertise in areas such as signals intelligence and cybersecurity. He will join OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee, which is led by CEO Sam Altman, and contribute to the company's efforts in quickly detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats using AI.
Additionally, Nakasone's appointment to the board of directors will help OpenAI better understand how AI can be used to enhance cybersecurity, as well as guide the company in achieving its mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. With his deep understanding of the potential risks associated with AI and his experience in managing cybersecurity threats, Nakasone is expected to play a crucial role in shaping OpenAI's cybersecurity strategy and overall safety culture.
How did Paul M. Nakasone contribute to the National Security Agency prior to his retirement?
Paul M. Nakasone significantly contributed to the National Security Agency (NSA) prior to his retirement in several ways. As a retired general of the US Army, Nakasone brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the agency. He was nominated to lead the NSA by former President Donald Trump and directed the agency from 2018 until February 2024.
During his tenure, Nakasone focused on ensuring the safety and security of the nation's digital infrastructure. He was instrumental in the development and execution of the agency's cybersecurity strategy, with an emphasis on "persistent engagement," "defending forward," and "hunting forward." These approaches aimed at proactively countering cyber threats and taking the fight to adversaries in the cyber domain.
Under Nakasone's leadership, the NSA worked closely with other intelligence agencies, the military, and international partners to address evolving threats and ensure a coordinated response to cyber attacks. He also oversaw the NSA's efforts to modernize its workforce and capabilities, focusing on training and retaining top talent in the fields of cybersecurity and intelligence.
Before his departure, Nakasone wrote an op-ed supporting the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a critical surveillance program that was ultimately reauthorized by Congress in April 2024. His expertise in areas like cybersecurity and his experience leading the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command have positioned him as a valuable asset to organizations like OpenAI, where he now serves on the board of directors and contributes to the company's Safety and Security Committee.