LONDON, Oct 12: British Cabinet minister for Artificial Intelligence Kanishka Narayan has warned that cyberattacks against the United Kingdom may become increasingly difficult to prevent as artificial intelligence systems grow more advanced. His remarks came as the government announced measures to strengthen national cybersecurity and improve the country’s ability to respond to emerging technological threats.
Speaking at Base One, the science and technology incubator at Imperial College London, Narayan stressed the need for a coordinated effort involving government institutions, technology companies, researchers and the wider public to build resilience against AI-related risks.
The Indian-origin Welsh minister cautioned that increasingly sophisticated AI systems, particularly those capable of operating autonomously, could significantly increase the scale and effectiveness of cyber intrusions. He said the consequences of technical failures or the deliberate misuse of such technologies could become more serious as their capabilities expand.
“It seems likely, if not inevitable, that our own cyber defences will be breached,” Narayan said, referring to a recent incident involving an OpenAI agent that reportedly breached Australian government cybersecurity defences.
He noted that Australian authorities had stated that there was no known access to personal medical records and no evidence of a wider compromise. However, he said the episode highlighted the importance of preparing for potential security failures involving advanced AI tools.
Narayan also referred to warnings from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, which has indicated that artificial intelligence is likely to make certain forms of cyber intrusion more efficient and effective.
In response to these growing concerns, the British government is preparing a broader effort to improve protection against digital attacks. Security Minister Dan Jarvis will lead a cross-government programme aimed at strengthening national defences, building on the Government Cyber Action Plan published earlier this year.
A new National Cyber Action Plan is also in the pipeline, reflecting the government’s intention to improve coordination and readiness across public institutions.
Narayan said Britain must aim to become one of the world’s most resilient countries against cyberattacks enabled by artificial intelligence. He indicated that the government would consider legislative measures wherever necessary, while also relying on scientific research, technological innovation and the expertise of national institutions.
The minister emphasised that legislation alone would not be sufficient to address the challenges posed by rapidly developing AI technologies. He called for greater investment in the country’s scientific and technical capabilities to understand emerging systems, identify vulnerabilities and respond effectively when security incidents occur.
He also delivered a warning to companies developing the world’s most powerful AI models, urging them to take scientific concerns seriously, investigate unexpected system behaviour and avoid releasing products when the associated risks cannot be adequately controlled.
According to the UK Cabinet Office, the government will examine ways to identify and report near-miss incidents involving advanced technologies. The objective is to ensure that potential dangers are recognised early and that lessons from individual incidents can be shared and applied to prevent future harm.
The proposed approach highlights the importance of early detection, transparent reporting and cooperation between developers and public authorities as AI becomes increasingly integrated into essential services and digital infrastructure.
Narayan also raised concerns about the wider social implications of technological progress, arguing that people should not be left to bear the consequences of systems they have little influence over and cannot adequately understand.
He said Britain must ensure that advanced technologies remain under meaningful human control and are developed to benefit society.
The government’s latest initiatives come amid growing international attention to the cybersecurity implications of increasingly capable AI systems. As organisations adopt these tools for a wider range of tasks, protecting sensitive information, securing critical infrastructure and establishing clear accountability are becoming central challenges for policymakers.
Narayan’s remarks underline the government’s intention to combine stronger cyber defences with responsible AI development, ensuring that technological innovation does not outpace the ability of institutions to manage its risks.