AI as Insider Threat: A New Cybersecurity Risk

View profile for Wendi Whitmore

Palo Alto Networks Chief Security Intelligence Officer | DHS Cyber Safety Review Board Inaugural Member

The "before times,” when AI was a distant threat on the horizon, are nearly over. A new, unsettling risk is emerging: the AI agent as the ultimate insider threat. These agents, if compromised, can operate within our networks with unprecedented speed and stealth. The level of automation they bring to an attack far surpasses human-led operations, highlighting a future where the decisive advantage will belong to the side with the most sophisticated AI. This blurring of lines between external and internal threats will force us to urgently reevaluate our zero trust principles and identity management strategies. My latest blog post captures my key takeaways from the recent Aspen US Cybersecurity Group meeting, where this was a central theme. The discussion, shaped by valuable frameworks from leaders like Kemba Walden and the Palladin Institute, focused on how we can best secure this new human-machine future. By embracing relentless innovation and strengthening public-private partnerships, we can secure the human-machine interface and defend against this new threat vector. You can read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gTJ4sjRe

Roger Ach

Founder at Chicago West Pullman llc, BioTone™️Biometric Cybersecurity, SocialPay™ & Affiliates, 66X Marathoner

4w

Well said, Wendi. We can help. Roger Ach Stephanie So

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A very important topic not gaining enough air time at present. Great post Wendi Whitmore

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W. Hassan (4 x CCIE , CISSP)

Cyber Security | Cisco Networking | Network Security | Zero Trust | Fractional CIO & CISO | SiliconValley Executive

4w

Insightful perspective! The rise of AI agents as potential insider threats truly reshapes the security landscape. 🔐 Re-evaluating zero trust and identity management is no longer optional—it’s essential. Excited to see thought leadership like this driving the conversation forward and highlighting the need for collaboration across sectors."

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