Artificial intelligence (AI) and AI agents are becoming increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s at conferences or in celebrity-endorsed TV commercials, companies are eager to demonstrate how this technology can simplify our daily routines. But what exactly is an AI agent?
Essentially, AI agents – also referred to as agentic AI models – are generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) utilized to automate tasks and workflows.
For instance, if you need to reserve a meeting room at a specific office for a certain time and number of people, you can simply instruct the agent to do so. It will then proceed to identify a suitable room and time, and send out the calendar invite to your colleagues on your behalf.
Similarly, when planning a vacation, you can provide details on your destination, mode of transportation, and any special requests, and ask the AI agent for recommendations. Within seconds, it will analyze and present suitable options, saving you time and effort.
“We’re heading towards a future where AI agents will play a crucial role – everyone will have an agent for various tasks,” explains Etay Maor, chief security strategist at Cato Networks. “It’s incredibly convenient and we can expect to see its widespread adoption.”
However, as with any new technology, cyber criminals are quick to exploit AI agents for their malicious activities. They are exploring ways to weaponize AI agents and autonomous systems to further their objectives.
“Attackers are looking to exploit prompt injection vulnerabilities to hijack browser agents and carry out unauthorized actions,” says Donato Capitella, principal security consultant at Reversec. “As AI agents become more sophisticated, they become attractive targets for attackers seeking to infiltrate networks and deploy ransomware.”
Despite the potential risks posed by agentic AI-based attacks, there are measures that can be taken to counter such threats. Some experts believe that leveraging agentic AI for threat hunting and automation can enhance cybersecurity defenses.
“By utilizing AI agents to identify emerging threats and prioritize them based on business context, organizations can proactively address vulnerabilities and mitigate risks,” explains Yuval Zacharia, a cybersecurity expert.
Overall, the evolution of AI technology presents both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity. While AI agents can streamline security operations and enhance threat detection, human expertise and vigilance remain essential in safeguarding against cyber threats.
“As both attackers and defenders embrace AI technologies, it’s crucial for cybersecurity teams to stay ahead of evolving threats and continuously enhance their defenses,” concludes Zacharia. “It’s a constant battle, but with the right strategies and tools, we can effectively combat cyber threats.”
