Protecting critical infrastructure with game theory, optimization techniques, and AI algorithms

Abstract

In light of recent geopolitical developments, Europe and Poland are acutely aware of the urgent importance of infrastructure security. Despite heightened interest and increased investments, our security resources remain severely limited, rendering continuous protection for every potential target unattainable. Consequently, the strategic allocation of security resources becomes an ongoing imperative. This paper presents a short introduction to the core principles behind advanced methods that facilitate automated decision-making in security resource allocation. These methods leverage artificial intelligence (AI), game theory, and optimization techniques, and have demonstrated their effectiveness through multiple real-life deployments in the USA. We also provide a concise overview of this exciting body of research and discuss the solutions and software developed by our team, “AI for Security” at the IDEAS NCBR research institute to protect critical infrastructure in Poland and in Europe.