CIA’s CIO La’Naia Jones Discusses AI Driving National Security

The Oracle CloudWorld 2024 in Las Vegas played host to several Oracle partners, who shared their experiences on how technology, data and artificial intelligence (AI) are impacting their businesses. Oracle CEO Safra Catz engaged in a conversation with La'Naia Jones, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), incidentally also Oracle’s first client dating back to 1977.

The discussion revolved around the crucial role technology, data and AI play in supporting national security efforts and how partnerships between private companies such as Oracle and public institutions such as the CIA are instrumental in achieving mission-critical objectives.

The CIA’s Take
Jones outlined the CIA’s primary mission, which is using the power of information and technology to keep the nation safe. She described how the CIA’s technology infrastructure, including Oracle’s solutions, plays a pivotal role in solving some of the agency's most complex intelligence challenges. Data, AI and secure cloud technologies are vital tools in helping the CIA process enormous amounts of information, enabling informed and timely decision-making.

Catz spoke on the CIA’s dedication to security and efficiency, recognising that the agency’s mission involves constant vigilance. Jones, in turn, highlighted how the intelligence community relies on cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of global threats. She reflected on the importance of data scientists and AI in the agency’s operations, noting that AI helps augment intelligence decisions by providing valuable insights to mitigate risks and preempt attacks.

Impact On Cyber Security
The conversation also touched upon the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and how the CIA is evolving to meet those challenges. Jones discussed the shift in the cyber landscape over the past decade and a half, from traditional approaches to a more dynamic, intelligence-driven strategy. She emphasised that in today’s environment, there is a constant need for quick, accurate access to secure, classified information without compromising on security or performance.

Jones also spoke about the “everything, everywhere” policy within the CIA, stressing the importance of real-time access to critical data. This approach ensures that CIA operatives and analysts can make informed decisions, supported by the latest technological advancements. She credited Oracle’s role in providing the necessary cloud and AI solutions that allow the CIA to remain agile and efficient in its operations.

The discussion reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring that national security agencies such as the CIA have access to the required technology, helping them address global challenges with the speed and efficiency required in today’s world.

BW Businessworld is attending SuiteWorld in Las Vegas as a guest of Oracle CloudWorld 2024