Securing Critical Infrastructure with AI: Challenges, Solutions and Future Directions

This paper discusses the integration of AI technologies toward securing critical infrastructures related to energy, transportation, and water systems. It seeks to investigate common cyber vulnerabilities in the said sectors—cyber, physical attack, and insider threats—and how AI-driven solutions may aid in mitigating these vulnerabilities. Taking into account the traditional security measures and their respective limitations, as well as the potential of AI technologies, such as predictive maintenance and security automation, to reflect on the revision of said paper, the great evolutionary role played by AI in ensuring infrastructure protection will be underlined. It relates to technical challenges and ethical implications, as well as the influence of government policies on AI deployment, laying great emphasis on continued innovation, paired with vigilance, in leveraging AI to improve cybersecurity measures. The paper takes into account potential future synergies between AI and emerging technologies such as quantum computing and blockchain, and provides strategic recommendations for stakeholders to leverage the growth of AI in the secure-critical-infrastructure space effectively and responsibly. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Critical Infrastructure, Security, Threat Proceedings Citation Format Kyrian Onyeagusi (2024): Securing Critical Infrastructure with AI: Challenges, Solutions and Future Directions. Proceedings of the Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference held at The Ballroom Center, Central Business District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria - 25th - 26th September, 2024. Pp 51-62. cybersecurenigeria.org dx.doi.org.