Agentic AI enhances cybersecurity by using autonomous systems to monitor, detect and respond to threats in real time, addressing challenges such as redundancy of alerts and human shortages.
These systems can perform automated tasks such as classifying alerts, isolating compromised systems, and applying security updates, allowing human analysts to focus on more complex strategic work.
However, this dual-use technology also represents a source of danger, as it can be exploited by malicious actors to devise more sophisticated attacks.
* Uses of agent artificial intelligence in cybersecurity:
– Autonomous detection and response to threats:
AI agents can continuously monitor networks, identify unusual activity, and initiate quarantine procedures automatically without human supervision, significantly reducing response time.
– Automatic response to incidents:
When a breach occurs, agent AI can implement containment protocols such as revoking login credentials or disabling accounts, and can even initiate backups automatically.
– Managing security vulnerabilities:
Agent AI scans systems for vulnerabilities, classifies them by severity level, and applies the necessary updates to address vulnerabilities.
– Proactive defense:
By self-managing cloud security settings, applying the “least possible authority” principle, and adjusting permission based on risk level, agent AI helps build more resilient and robust systems.
* Benefits for cybersecurity teams:
– Facing the lack of resources:
By automating repetitive tasks, agent AI helps today’s teams manage larger, more complex environments with limited resources.
– Increasing efficiency:
Tasks such as alert classification and vulnerability scanning can be automated, allowing human analysts to focus on making strategic decisions and hunting advanced threats.
– Enhancing flexibility and continuity:
AI agents work around the clock to provide continuous monitoring and immediate response, beyond human capabilities.
* Risks and challenges:
– Dual-use technology:
Cybercriminals may exploit proxy AI to automate and scale attacks, resulting in more sophisticated threats such as advanced phishing messages and real-time attack strategies.
– New attack surface:
The introduction of AI agents creates new vulnerabilities that defenders must also secure and protect.
* Protect agent AI applications:
Agent AI systems not only analyze information, but also infer and take action based on it, creating new security challenges.
These systems may access sensitive tools, produce output that may affect other systems, or interact with sensitive data in real time.
To ensure its safe and predictable behavior, organizations need pre-deployment testing and operational controls during implementation.
* Integration and Governance:
Implementing agentic AI requires new roles and skills, as well as strict ethical governance to ensure fairness and accountability in autonomous systems.
