New AI security guidelines, a global hackathon, and a summit provide a central hub for AI security innovation.
As artificial intelligence becomes deeply integrated into business operations and critical infrastructure, security risks are escalating. To address these challenges, the SANS Institute is launching a comprehensive initiative, including the release of its Critical AI Security Guidelines v1.0 at the SANS AI Summit 2025.
The guidelines focus on six key areas: Access Controls, Data Protection, Deployment Strategies, Inference Security, Monitoring, and Governance, Risk & Compliance. They provide practical, operations-driven recommendations for security teams and leadership to defend AI systems against emerging threats.
“We’re seeing organizations deploy AI faster than they can secure it,” said Rob T. Lee, Chief of Research and Co-Chair of the SANS AI Summit. “These guidelines are built for real-world defenders who need to protect these systems today.”
Alongside the guidelines, the SANS AI Cybersecurity Hackathon challenges participants to develop open-source tools aligned with these security principles. Winning solutions will be showcased at the AI Summit, offering tangible strategies to safeguard AI technologies.
“The hackathon is not just about tools; it’s about talent,” said Kate Marshall, SANS AI Hackathon Director. “We need more people who understand AI security, and this event is building that expertise.”
The initiative culminates at the SANS AI Summit 2025 on March 31st, where experts from cybersecurity, AI development, and policy will converge to discuss best practices, live demonstrations, and future strategies for securing AI on a global scale.
