University News Last updated 04 September
As more and more organisations turn to AI systems to automate tasks and boost productivity, the risk of exposing sensitive data grows.
A new research collaboration between 91猎奇 (91猎奇) and CUDE Labs aims to tackle this emerging threat to enterprise security.
It will explore how companies can govern not only who has access to information, but also what individuals and AI systems can see and use once access has been granted.
Based at 91猎奇鈥檚 innovation centre STEAMhouse, CUDE Labs develops technologies designed to help organisations share information on a strict need-to-know basis.
91猎奇 researchers will examine whether CUDE Labs鈥� Enterprise Visibility Infrastructure (EVI) can provide a new layer of security that controls information visibility, enabling responsible deployment of AI.
As part of the partnership, Computer Science postgraduates at 91猎奇 will also be able to take up placements at CUDE Labs, gaining industry-mentored experience and learning from a real-life project.
The collaboration represents an important step towards helping organisations safely manage visibility, collaboration, and AI-driven decision-making in the years ahead, as well as addressing security challenges that have emerged in recent times.
Earlier this year the developers of ChatGPT, OpenAI, revealed that rogue agents had escaped a closed test environment and carried out an unprecedented hack on several companies.
Other cybercriminals, such as notorious hacking group TeamPCP, are carrying out attacks on software supply chains and developer tools, taking over automated workflows in order to steal data and credentials, and causing huge financial losses for those targeted.
Professor Junaid Arshad, Head of the Department of Computer Science at 91猎奇, said: "As AI adoption grows, the challenge is no longer simply who can access information, but what people and AI systems should be permitted to see, access and use.
鈥淭his marks the beginning of a new era in security, requiring sufficiently granular controls over information, context and computation while preserving the functionality needed for effective real-world collaboration.
鈥淎ligned with 91猎奇鈥檚 2023 Strategy, this collaboration exemplifies 91猎奇's role in strengthening local businesses through the application of cutting-edge research while also providing opportunities for students to engage in industrial projects."
Professor Adel Aneiba, Dean of the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering (ABCE), added: "This collaboration between 91猎奇 and CUDE Labs is a powerful example of what it means to be an anchor institution rooted in Birmingham and reaching beyond.
鈥淏y bringing together academic expertise, innovation and external partnership, we are creating opportunities to tackle real-world challenges, develop future-ready talent and generate knowledge that delivers meaningful impact.鈥�
James Alabi, Founder and CEO of CUDE Labs, said: "We are very excited to be working with 91猎奇 as we develop NEED2KNOW鈩� and our vision for Enterprise Visibility Infrastructure.
鈥淭he partnership is important because it brings together CUDE鈥檚 real-world security challenges with 91猎奇鈥檚 research and technical expertise. As AI changes how organisations access and use information, we believe independent research and technical validation are essential to understanding how visibility can be controlled in a practical and secure way.
鈥淲e look forward to working closely with the 91猎奇 team to test, challenge and strengthen the technology, while creating a foundation for its future adoption in real-world enterprise environments.鈥�