Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in companies, assuming tasks and making decisions on behalf of people and organizations. However, this brings a new challenge: how to control access for these AI agents? It is crucial to treat these agents as critical digital identities, with clear limits on access and autonomy.
This post provides an overview of the importance of controlling AI agent access and how it can impact the security and efficiency of companies. We will explore how AI is being used, the associated risks, and the measures companies can take to ensure security and control.
1. What are AI agents and why do they need control?
AI agents are computer programs that can perform tasks and make decisions autonomously. They need their own digital identity and well-defined permissions to avoid security risks. McKinsey reported that its consulting team was expanded with 25,000 AI agents in just two years, and Adobe reported that AI-driven online traffic on Black Friday 2025 generated $22 billion in revenue.
2. What are the risks associated with lack of AI agent control?
Lack of AI agent control can lead to security risks, such as the creation of digital identities that are not clearly visible but potentially very influential. Additionally, so-called shadow AI, or invisible AI, can occur when professionals and business areas adopt tools and agents on their own, without proper governance.
3. How can companies control AI agent access?
Companies can control AI agent access by treating them as relevant digital identities, not as simple plug-and-play tools. This means applying security principles, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, permission review, and centralized identity management. Furthermore, it is essential to map where AI is being used, define clear policies for creating and using agents, limit access, maintain human validation for sensitive actions, and review permissions over time.
4. What is the importance of governance in AI agent security?
Governance is crucial to ensure the security and control of AI agents. Companies must define clear policies and establish limits on access and autonomy for these agents. Additionally, it is important to have centralized management of identities and permissions to avoid security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are AI agents and why do they need control?
AI agents are computer programs that can perform tasks and make decisions autonomously. They need their own digital identity and well-defined permissions to avoid security risks.
2. What are the risks associated with lack of AI agent control?
Lack of AI agent control can lead to security risks, such as the creation of digital identities that are not clearly visible but potentially very influential. Additionally, so-called shadow AI, or invisible AI, can occur when professionals and business areas adopt tools and agents on their own, without proper governance.
3. How can companies control AI agent access?
Companies can control AI agent access by treating them as relevant digital identities, not as simple plug-and-play tools. This means applying security principles, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, permission review, and centralized identity management.
In summary, controlling AI agent access is crucial to ensure the security and efficiency of companies. Companies must treat these agents as critical digital identities, with clear limits on access and autonomy, and establish clear policies for creating and using agents.
