UK businesses are rapidly adopting AI agents, with a 62% deployment rate noted in 2026, marking a 22% increase year-over-year. This rise enhances productivity but introduces security risks due to the emergence of AI “double agents” that operate autonomously across networks, devices, and software. Microsoft’s Cyber Pulse report highlights that while 84% of business leaders recognize the potential threats from unauthorized AI agents, visibility of these agents is lagging behind their adoption. Security teams prioritize maintaining visibility (50%), safely integrating AI agents (50%), and ensuring compliance with risk management (49%). Jo Miller from Microsoft UK underscores the need for organizations to secure AI with the same rigor as human identities. Implementing zero trust principles, least-privilege access, and comprehensive auditability is vital to manage risks while fostering innovation. Businesses must act swiftly to ensure governance keeps pace with the accelerated adoption of AI agents.
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