Using Air-Gapped AI to Build a More Secure AI Strategy

Many organisations lack AI advancement due to security concerns. Air-gapped AI allows businesses to operate completely cut off from the public internet, so no data is at risk. Air-gapped systems are one approach organisations use within a private AI platform strategy, especially when sensitive data and compliance regulations are present.

What Is an Air-Gapped AI System?

An air-gapped AI system is a system that is physically isolated from outside networks, particularly the public internet. A public AI server would retrieve data from the internet or cloud, whereas an air-gapped system goes from the AI server to local data within a controlled environment. That way, organisations can still utilise AI without the risk of leaking any sensitive data.

 Why Organisations Have Air-Gapped AI

The crucial reason organisations have air-gapped AI is for security. For example, summarising 100 classified reports cannot be put into a public AI server due to unacceptable risks. Instead, organisations can automate processes through a local AI server. However, the use of a secure AI system does not mean 100% security. An air-gapped system is one security layer to providing a private AI platform that is cyber-secure.

How the Air-Gapped System Works

Air-gapped AI systems work through the AI model itself and the environment around it.

The AI Model is Installed Locally

The AI model could be an LLM such as OptimaGPT, ChatGPT, or Claude, which doesn’t need the internet to run inference. Once its model files are on the server, the neural network can process inputs locally.

How the Server is Isolated

The air-gapped process happens through isolation from the internet, so there is no network route out. The process is from the user to the local AI server to the local storage. As a result, no data can be leaked through the internet.

How does the AI Get Information

An LLM doesn’t fundamentally need access to the internet to generate answers. Its trained neural-network parameters are already stored locally, which produce its response. The internet allows for new information to be gathered, but the basic operation is responsive to the neural network. If your organisation needs new data, you can import approved datasets and documents to update the model.

Benefits of Air-Gapped AI

1. Data privacy – Sensitive information remains within your organisation’s environment
2. Reduce cyberattacks – AI connected through the internet can be attacked remotely. Having an air-gapped system removes network attacks
3. Control over sensitive information – You can control your AI model, hardware, storage and data so administrators can determine exactly what information AI can access
4. No dependence on cloud providers – You’re less dependent on internet connectivity or third-party services, so AI can continue operating without an external provider.
5. Compliance and regulatory – Some organisations must follow strict requirements about where data can be stored. Keeping it within an air-gapped network can simplify compliance.

Key Challenges

1. Model updates and maintenance – With the system not being connected to the internet, automated updates won’t be available. Updating the system may require physical access, which can be time-consuming.
2. Data transfer – Data being stored separately from external sources makes it difficult to transfer any data over or apply updates and security updates.
3. Cost – Implementing an air-gapped infrastructure requires a large amount of hardware and software to ensure the data remains isolated. As a result, costs can drive up due to the need for specialised software.

Implementation

To implement an air-gapped AI system, you should start with three things:

1. A device to run the AI model on
2. AI software + an AI model installed on the device
3. No internet connection to the device

To start the implementation, install an AI server such as Optimagpt, upload your documents and other files needed onto the device, but not on the AI model itself. Once uploaded, you can disconnect from external networks so that the AI works entirely from your device.

Use Cases of Air-Gapped Systems

Industries that require data isolation due to strict data regulations and compliance are most likely to implement an air-gapped AI system. These industries include:

• Public Sector – High demand to increase efficiency while also keeping sensitive information secure.
• Finance – Need to keep financial and customer data secure and compliant with UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) while also being able to produce fraud analysis and document analysis.
• Healthcare – Automate administration tasks while also being HIPAA-compliant
• Legal – Automate legal documents and repetitive tasks whilst staying compliant with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Regain Your Data Security

Become an AI innovative organisation without the data security risk. With Optimagpt, we provide secure, compliant and cost-effective AI servers, deployed exactly where you need them.

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