Cybersecurity Concerns with AI Agents: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

When the traditional AI models received a makeover and graduated as Agentic AI, they were invested with more responsibilities. They were no longer mere responders but initiators who could carry out complex tasks under minimal human supervision. However, while navigating the unknown waters, Agentic AI met new challenges from cyber attackers and infiltrators. And as the scale at which agentic AIs are deployed across industries increases, so does the scope of cyberattacks and other exploitations.

These AI agents are trained using large amounts of data and sensitive information. If this data gets rigged or tampered with by an attacker, it can cause big problems. The memory of Agentic AI can be manipulated and used to insert false information. When misused by attackers, it can result in the AI making harmful decisions. Manipulation of AI can even lead to data leakages, putting companies at risk. Fake emails and social media posts can be generated to mislead people. If not dealt with responsibly, the large language models can generate harmful outputs, overexposing confidential information. If the configuration is not correct, unauthorized parties can access personal files and reports, corrupting and disrupting the workflow. Mismanagement of agentic AI can put the customers at risk; their personal data and other investments are at stake.

In this bot vs. human world, it is important to ensure that AI is deployed effectively and responsibly with stringent guardrails. Security vendors like 1Password, Okta, and OwnID have launched tools to manage AI agent identities. 1Password helps AI tools to secretly store passwords, API keys, and other sensitive data. They are safely protected in an encrypted vault. Okta’s identity tools treat AI models like students in an institution. AI tools are given unique permission identity cards specifying what they can do and what they cannot. OwnID, on the other hand, allows for authentication without using passwords. Face ID, fingerprint, etc are used by people to log in without having to type the password.

The critical vulnerabilities of the AI models have real-world implications. And therefore, it is essential to have a proactive approach and robust security measures to protect them from the newly emerging threats. A protective wall should not only be built within the system but also around the system for a better future.