Securing AI: Governance for Agentic Systems
February 4, 2026
The article outlines critical security measures for managing AI systems, particularly focusing on 'agentic systems'—autonomous AI agents that interact with users and other systems. It emphasizes that these agents must be treated as semi-autonomous users with clearly defined identities and limited permissions to mitigate risks associated with their deployment. Key recommendations include implementing stringent controls on the capabilities of agents, ensuring that tools and data sources are approved and monitored, and handling outputs with caution to prevent unintended consequences. The article cites standards from organizations like NIST and OWASP, highlighting the importance of a robust governance framework to address the potential for misuse and vulnerabilities in AI systems. The implementation of these guidelines is crucial for companies to safeguard against AI-related security threats, ensuring that agents operate within safe boundaries and do not pose risks to data privacy or operational integrity.