Darktrace CEO warns AI agents pose new cybersecurity risks

Darktrace CEO Ed Jennings warned that AI agents are becoming a new form of 'insider threat' as businesses rapidly deploy autonomous systems with access to sensitive data and infrastructure. Speaking on Bloomberg Tech on September 25, 2026, Jennings highlighted the growing challenge for cybersecurity teams to keep pace with AI adoption. He emphasized the risks of agents acting beyond their intended roles and the importance of behavioral monitoring to safely harness AI benefits. Darktrace is launching new tools to track shadow AI, agent identities, and behaviors, aiming to help organizations manage emerging threats while leveraging AI’s potential. Jennings stressed that the rapid integration of AI systems into corporate environments is outpacing security measures, creating new vulnerabilities. Darktrace’s tools are designed to detect and monitor these agents, offering a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The CEO also noted that behavioral monitoring could ensure AI systems operate within their intended parameters. As companies adopt AI at an accelerated pace, the need for robust security frameworks has never been more critical.