Deadline: 21-Oct-21
The European Commission (EC) is currently accepting proposals for the AI for cybersecurity reinforcement Programme.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is present in almost every application area where massive data are involved.
Understanding the implications and possible side effects for cybersecurity however requires deep analysis, including further research and innovation.
On the one hand, AI can be used to improve response and resilience such them for the early detection of threats and other malicious activities with the aim to more accurately identify, prevent and stop attacks.
On the other hand, attackers are increasingly powering their tools by using AI or by manipulating AI systems (including the AI systems used to reinforce cybersecurity).
The proposed actions should develop AI-based methods and tools in order to address the following interrelated capabilities:
- improve systems robustness (i.e. the ability of a system to maintain its initial stable configuration even when it processes erroneous inputs, thanks to self-testing and self-healing);
- improve systems resilience (i.e. the ability of a system to resist and tolerate an attack, anticipate, cope and evolve by facilitating threat and anomaly detection and allowing security analysts to retrieve information about cyber threats);
- improve systems response (i.e. the capacity of a system to respond autonomously to attacks, thanks to identifying vulnerabilities in other machines and operate strategically by deciding which vulnerability to attack and at which point, and by deceiving attackers; and to
- counter the ways AI can be used for attacking.
Advanced AI-based solutions, including machine learning tools, as well as defensive mechanisms to ensure data integrity should also be included in the proposed actions. Proposals should strive to ultimately facilitate the work of relevant cybersecurity experts (e.g. by reducing the workloads of security operators).
Funding Information
The check will normally be done for the coordinator if the requested grant amount is equal to or greater than EUR 500 000, except for:
- public bodies (entities established as a public body under national law, including local, regional or national authorities) or international organisations; and
- cases where the individual requested grant amount is not more than EUR 60 000 (lowvalue grant).
Expected Outcomes
Projects are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes:
- Reinforced cybersecurity using AI technological components and tools in line with relevant EU policy, legal and ethical requirements.
- Increased knowledge about how an attacker might use AI technology in order to attack IT systems.
- Digital processes, products and systems resilient against AI-powered cyberattacks
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions;
- the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States;
- eligible non-EU countries:
- countries associated to Horizon Europe;
- low- and middle-income countries.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3AvVUpG