America’s infrastructure is only as strong as its AI governance
January 21, 2026
In an opinion piece for Construction Dive, Lalitha Krishnamoorthy highlights the need for internal safeguards to protect civil infrastructure
America’s civil infrastructure is at a pivotal moment. While the rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges, it also brings powerful tools and fresh opportunities to strengthen our systems. Recent surges in cyberattacks have highlighted vulnerabilities, but have also galvanized leaders to innovate and adapt, so our infrastructure remains robust and secure. AI-enabled attacks have made absolute protection impossible, meaning internal digital policies and governance are all the more critical to minimize system vulnerabilities.
American utility owners have long recognized the challenges of maintaining and modernizing the nation’s civil infrastructure systems. The highly exposed nature of electrical grids, water treatment facilities and gas lines make them prime targets for attacks. Over the last decade, there have been hundreds of reported incidents of cybercriminals and foreign actors hacking into some of America’s most vital infrastructure systems to wreak havoc and cause potential danger. Through August of 2024, cyberattacks on US utilities surged by nearly 70 percent year over year.
AI has only proliferated more since then.
