

As businesses rapidly adopt artificial intelligence tools, a new class of AI known as “agentic AI” is raising both excitement and alarm in the corporate world. Unlike traditional generative AI, agentic AI systems are capable of taking autonomous actions, such as sending emails, updating databases, or even making purchasing decisions.
Many enterprises are moving AI pilots from the lab directly into real-world operations. However, this rapid shift is leaving critical gaps in identity and access management. Without proper controls, an autonomous AI could perform actions without sufficient oversight—posing serious risks in areas like data security, compliance, and system integrity.
Why Identity Frameworks Matter More Than Ever
According to industry experts, secure identity systems must evolve alongside AI capabilities. When AI agents act on behalf of employees or customers, businesses need to ensure those actions are authenticated, authorized, and auditable. That means enforcing strong identity boundaries for both human and non-human agents.
The Challenge Ahead for CIOs and CISOs
The concept of machines taking initiative isn’t theoretical anymore—it’s here. CIOs and CISOs must rethink their security architectures to include AI-specific governance, especially as these systems get access to sensitive data and internal applications.