Defending Networks at Machine Speed

wes examine the integration of fully autonomous artificial intelligence into the United States' cybersecurity and defense infrastructure. While these technologies offer unprecedented response speeds against sophisticated digital threats, they introduce significant ethical dilemmas regarding accountability, algorithmic bias, and the potential for unintended system damage. The research highlights a critical legal gap, noting that existing U.S. statutes fail to address the specific liabilities of self-acting software. Through case studies of systems like DARPA’s "Mayhem" and commercial platforms such as Darktrace, the authors illustrate the practical necessity of human-on-the-loop oversight. Ultimately, the text proposes a structured governance framework to ensure that automated defenses remain transparent, reliable, and subservient to human values. This comprehensive overview advocates for proactive policy development to balance national security needs with legal and moral responsibility.