Maryland’s Katie Savage on securing data while scaling AI

Katie Savage, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and CIO for Maryland, discussed the evolving zero-trust architecture to secure data from AI-weaponized adversaries. Maryland has integrated a single identity and access management platform, released a cybersecurity policy suite and a vulnerability disclosure program. To unlock AI’s potential, the state has empowered its workforce with AI tools, created an AI community of practice and developed an AI enablement plan. An example of innovation is using a chatbot for case workers under the H.R. 1 bill. This approach balances top-down strategy with bottom-up innovation.