Google, in collaboration with Indonesia's National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) alongside nonprofits and social enterprises, has introduced strategic efforts aimed at bolstering the resilience of Indonesia's digital ecosystem. These initiatives encompass cybersecurity training programs and the deployment of AI-powered cybersecurity tools designed to safeguard government entities, businesses, and citizens against cybercrime and cyber attacks.
Teaming up with the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) and the Artificial Intelligence Industry Research and Innovation Collaboration, Google aims to facilitate dialogues among industry experts, policymakers, and various stakeholders to advance the adoption of secure and ethical AI applications in Indonesia through the AI Policy and Skilling Lab.
"Attackers need only one successful intrusion while defenders are under immense pressure to deploy the best defenses at all times across an increasingly complex digital terrain. This is called the 'Defender's Dilemma,' and we believe that advancements in AI can reverse this dynamic", Putri Alam, Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Indonesia said. "The adoption of AI-powered cybersecurity tools combined with the skills required to use these tools has the potential to reduce cybercrime-related costs for Indonesian businesses and individuals by up to IDR 1,365 trillion by 2030".
Google is extending 1000 Cybersecurity certificate scholarships to BSSN officials, enabling government personnel without previous experience to transition into cybersecurity positions. Additionally, there will be enhanced cooperation between Mandiant and BSSN's cybersecurity teams to exchange top-notch threat intelligence. Finally, BSSN and Google Cloud will collaborate on capacity-building initiatives, focusing on the creation of advanced cloud-based solutions utilizing AI to swiftly identify and protect critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks.
"This collaboration between the government and a leading industry player like Google will help us maximize the use of AI to give our defenders the upper hand while limiting the technology's utility to our adversaries", Inspector General of Police Dono Indarto, Deputy for Cyber and Crypto Strategy and Policy, BSSN shared. Supporting cybersecurity talent development in underserved communities, individuals from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as social enterprises will receive cybersecurity training. This training will empower them to utilize AI-powered cybersecurity tools to defend against cyber threats.
Google's philanthropic arm, The Asia Foundation, spearheads this initiative, collaborating with implementing partners including the Association of Women's Resource Development Centres (PPSW), the Association for Advancement of Small Business (PUPUK), and the Muhammadiyah Economic and Entrepreneurship Council in Indonesia. The resources to facilitate this endeavor stem from a $15 million grant allocated to support The Asia Foundation in establishing the APAC Cybersecurity Fund, in partnership with the CyberPeace Institute and the Global Cyber Alliance.