Agentic AI: Powering Cyber Defense
Sreenu Pasunuri
Orchestrating Cybersecurity Excellence with Passion and Precision | CISA | CRISC | ISO 42K LI & LA | ISO 27K LA | ????25K+ |
In the last few months, the term Agentic AI has surged into conversations, research papers, and tech debates. Unlike traditional AI models that wait for user prompts, Agentic AI can make decisions, take actions, and achieve goals independently almost like a digital assistant that doesn’t just assist but proactively solves problems.
From scheduling meetings to managing cybersecurity threats, Agentic AI is working behind the scenes, influencing industries in ways many people don’t even realize.
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI is a class of artificial intelligence designed to operate autonomously, plan tasks, and execute actions without constant human intervention. Unlike ChatGPT, which responds based on direct input, Agentic AI systems are built with goal-oriented reasoning, memory, and adaptability.
Key Features of Agentic AI:
? Autonomy – It can perform tasks independently without requiring step-by-step guidance.
? Planning & Execution – It sets objectives, breaks them down into tasks, and executes them.
? Adaptability – Learns from past interactions to refine its approach over time.
? Decision-Making – Weighs different options and chooses the best course of action.
How Does Agentic AI Work?
Agentic AI systems leverage:
?? Large Language Models (LLMs) – Understanding and generating human-like responses.
?? Reinforcement Learning (RL) – Learning from past experiences to optimize outcomes.
?? Multi-Modal Capabilities – Processing images, videos, and audio alongside text.
?? APIs & External Tools – Connecting with apps, databases, and software to execute tasks.
For instance, an Agentic AI in cybersecurity can detect threats, analyze patterns, and block attacks in real-time without waiting for human approval. In finance, it can monitor markets, predict trends, and execute trades automatically.
Where Are We Already Using Agentic AI (Without Knowing It)?
Many of us interact with Agentic AI every day without even realizing it:
?? Self-Driving Car Navigation (Tesla, Waymo) – AI plans route, adapts to traffic, and makes split-second decisions.
?? Smart Calendar Assistants (Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook AI) – Reschedules meetings based on availability, without direct input.
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?? Fraud Detection (Visa, Mastercard AI) – AI agents flag suspicious transactions and even block cards autonomously.
?? AI-Powered NPCs (Game Bots, Virtual Assistants in Games) – AI in video games makes dynamic decisions based on player behavior.
??? E-commerce Personalization (Amazon, Shopify AI) – Recommends products and adjusts pricing in real-time.
We take these actions for granted, but they’re AI agents working tirelessly in the background.
How Agentic AI Can Revolutionize Cybersecurity
One of the most promising applications of Agentic AI is in cybersecurity, especially Incident Response and Threat Intelligence. Given the rise in ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks, cybersecurity teams are struggling to keep up. This is where Agentic AI steps in.
Agentic AI in Cybersecurity: The Next-Gen SOC Assistant
Imagine a Security Operations Center (SOC) that runs itself with minimal human intervention. Agentic AI-driven SOCs can:
?? Detect & Mitigate Threats in Real-Time – AI can autonomously detect, investigate, and neutralize cyberattacks before they escalate.
?? Automate Incident Response (IR) – Instead of just alerting security teams, AI can execute predefined response protocols (e.g., isolating infected systems, revoking compromised credentials).
??? Self-Healing Systems – AI can identify vulnerabilities and automatically patch systems before they are exploited.
?? Continuous Compliance Monitoring – AI can audit logs, detect policy violations, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Example: Autonomous IR in Action
Scenario: A Zero-Day Exploit Targets a Cloud-Based Application
?Time saved: Hours to days, reducing breach impact significantly.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Agentic AI
Agentic AI isn’t just another AI trend it’s a technological shift that will define the next decade. Whether it’s cybersecurity, business automation, or smart assistants, AI is evolving from reactive to proactive intelligence.
As AI becomes more autonomous, ethical considerations, security measures, and regulations will need to evolve alongside it. The key question isn’t whether Agentic AI will transform industries it’s how quickly and how responsibly we adapt to this new era.
Are you ready for the AI agents revolution? ?? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Experience in IS Audit, Cyber Security, GDPR, Dual Standard Audit, IT Governance, Risk and Compliance
2 周Interesting. But it will also have it's own limitation going forward. At present patch management is done only after application dependencies are tested. In such scenario how AI takes a decision, in case it applies which basing on learnings, suddenly application issues may arise. These are my thoughts basing on my experience
Head of Information Technology at ABIS Exports India Private Limited. IB Group | Driving growth with technology
2 周Interesting
Sreenu, your insights into Agentic AI are both enlightening and thought-provoking. It's exciting to see how this technology is enhancing cybersecurity and business processes, truly representing the future of autonomous systems. Keep up the great work in driving these conversations forward!