Agentic AI: New Zero Trust Model for Enterprise Security

Agentic artificial intelligence is making enterprises rethink a core cybersecurity principle: zero trust. Syam Nair, NetApp's Chief Product Officer, explains that current security models were built for humans, not for AI agents that act and decide independently at machine speed. Here's the thing: unlike chatbots, agentic AI can reason, use multiple data sources, and start workflows on its own. This means one wrong decision can quickly spread across an organization. Nair emphasizes that humans remain accountable for AI's actions. The bottom line is that zero trust principles must now extend beyond just identity and network controls to the data itself. Organizations need continuous governance that assesses an AI agent's intent, the business context, and the data's sensitivity in real time. This shift is crucial for managing the risks and potential of advanced AI systems.