What is the role of AI in enhancing digital defense? | Gen. David H. Petraeus & Google’s Kent Walker

- Geopolitics and Technology [01:05]: The discussion highlights a new era of great power rivalries, with geopolitics returning “with a vengeance.” Extraordinary technological change is occurring within this context, with technology being a critical enabler for countries in this competition.
- US vs. China in AI Investment [02:10]: China is investing massively in its “AI Plus” program, with hundreds of billions of dollars. The US system aims to keep pace through incentives, opportunities, intellectual talent from universities, venture capital ecosystems, and a pro-innovation regulatory structure.
- Enablers of AI [03:31]: Beyond innovation, the widespread adoption and use cases for AI are crucial. A significant challenge for AI development is the massive quantity of electricity required, with concerns about whether the energy infrastructure can keep pace. AI can also make existing energy grids more efficient.
- Technology in Modern Conflict (Ukraine Example) [04:28]: The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates breathtaking innovation and application of technology. Ukraine has leveraged unmanned systems and an “Amazon-like” logistics system for weapon systems and components to offset disadvantages, highlighting agility in wartime.
- Challenges in Military Transformation [06:03]: Transforming military procurement at the necessary pace is challenging and often frustrating, especially during wartime.
- Google’s Role in Digital Defense [06:23]:
  - Google was involved in defending Ukraine’s websites and government installations through Project Shield on the cyber side.
  - The cyber battlefield is increasingly important, and Google is highly focused on cybersecurity, protecting more people than any other company.
  - AI for Vulnerability Detection: Google achieved the first instance of detecting and diffusing a vulnerability about to be exploited by bad actors using an algorithm called Deep Sleep [06:50]. This is a new form of agentic AI where tools are trained to identify and deal with problems.
  - AI Dashboard for Investigations: Google is expanding its AI dashboard for investigations and awareness of hundreds of nation-state actors involved in cyber mischief.
- Types of Cyber Threats [07:22]:
  - Information theft: Stealing information and intellectual property.
  - Data aggregation: Collecting vast amounts of data to connect dots later, likened to pulling a digital needle from a haystack.
  - Quantum computing risk: Some countries are vacuuming up encrypted data hoping to decrypt it when quantum computing becomes viable.
  - Election interference: Attempting to influence elections.
  - Financial gain: Cybercrime for monetary purposes.
- Staying Ahead of Threats [08:00]: Google is simultaneously pioneering work on quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography to stay ahead of evolving threats.