Artificial intelligence (AI) data security

The intent of this joint guidance is to help organisations secure the data used to train, test, and operate artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

23 May 2025

For the opportunities of AI to be fully realised, it must be developed and used in secure and responsible ways. Data security is essential in the development and deployment of AI systems.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and other international partners, has co-authored cyber security guidance on securing data used in AI and machine learning (ML) systems.

This guidance provides a brief overview of the AI system lifecycle and outlines general best practices for securing data during the development, testing, and operation of AI-based systems.

This information is intended primarily for organisations using AI in their operations, with a focus on protecting sensitive, proprietary, or mission-critical data.  

The principles in this guidance offer a robust foundation for securing AI data and helping to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and integrity of AI-driven outcomes.

As organisations across different sectors rely on AI-based tools and decisions, securing the data that powers these systems becomes crucial for maintaining trust and effectiveness.

AI data security | U.S Department of Defense External Link

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