Agentic AI in Cybersecurity: The Next Frontier for Human-Centric Defense

Cyber threats are escalating, with 72% of organizations reporting increased risks due to ransomware and AI-powered attacks (WEF Cybersecurity Outlook 2025). Nearly 47% of security leaders cite AI-driven threats as their top concern, while phishing and social engineering attacks surged by 42% in 2024.

Agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity by autonomously identifying, mitigating, and preventing threats in real time. However, cybercriminals are also leveraging AI to conduct highly targeted phishing attacks, deepfake scams, and automated cyber intrusions (SecurityWeek, 2025).

At Keepnet, we’ve integrated Agentic AI into our Extended Human Risk Management Platform to strengthen cybersecurity. This blog explores what Agentic AI is, how Keepnet applies it to phishing defense, risk management, and incident response, and the risks, compliance challenges, and future of AI-powered cybersecurity.

What is Agentic AI in Cybersecurity? Definition and Context

Agentic AI is an advanced type of artificial intelligence that can detect, respond to, and prevent cyber threats without human intervention. Unlike traditional security tools that rely on predefined rules, Agentic AI continuously learns and adapts to evolving threats.

In cybersecurity, it is used to:

• Identify phishing attacks and malware in real time.
• Automatically respond to security incidents by blocking threats.
• Predict and prevent cyberattacks before they occur.

However, cybercriminals are also exploiting Agentic AI. If the underlying AI model is compromised, attackers can automate large-scale phishing and social engineering attacks without detection.

At Keepnet, we integrate Agentic AI into our cybersecurity solutions to stay ahead of evolving threats and enhance automated threat detection and response.

How Keepnet Leverages Agentic AI

We’ve woven Agentic AI into our Extended Human Risk Management Platform to revolutionize cyber defense. Here’s how:

Keepnet has integrated Agentic AI into its Extended Human Risk Management Platform to strengthen cybersecurity by automating threat detection, response, and prevention. Here’s how:

1. AI-Driven User Segmentation

Keepnet’s AI analyzes user behavior to identify security risks. It:

• Flags high-risk employees who frequently fall for phishing.
• Tracks training engagement and adjusts learning paths accordingly.
• Adapts in real-time based on roles, departments, and past interactions.

Forrester emphasizes that businesses should focus on applying AI to achieve specific cybersecurity outcomes, ensuring technology aligns with their core security objectives. (Source)

2. Hyper-Personalized Phishing Simulations

Keepnet Phishing Simulator uses AI to create customized phishing attacks based on user profiles. It mimics real-world threats, including:

• Email phishing
• Voice phishing (vishing)
• SMS-based phishing (smishing)
• QR code phishing (quishing)
• Callback phishing scams (callback)
• MFA Phishing Scams

This approach enhances employees' ability to detect and respond to phishing threats by exposing them to realistic, AI-generated attack simulations before they face actual cyber threats.

3. Adaptive Security Awareness Training

Traditional, one-size-fits-all security training is ineffective. Keepnet’s Security Awareness Training adapts to each employee’s behavior to improve learning and retention.

• Mobile users receive specialized training on QR phishing, smishing, and callback phishing to help them recognize and avoid common mobile-based threats.
• High-risk employees go through interactive, scenario-based training that simulates real-world cyberattacks and strengthens decision-making.
• Training content adapts based on engagement levels, ensuring employees who need extra support receive more targeted learning.

For a deeper look at how role-based security awareness training can be customized and adapted to different user needs, read Keepnet’s article on Role-Based Security Awareness Training.

4. AI-Powered Incident Response

Keepnet’s Incident Responder automates email threat detection and response.

• Integrates with 20+ analysis engines and SOAR solutions for advanced threat analysis.
• Detects zero-day attacks using AI-driven security measures.
• Scans 7,500 inboxes in 5 minutes for rapid threat removal.
• Supports Office 365, Google Workspace, and Exchange for seamless integration.
• Phishing Reporter add-in enables instant threat reporting by employees.
• Ensures privacy with no third-party data sharing and scans archives for hidden threats.

5. Threat Intelligence Sharing & Automated Defense

Keepnet’s Threat Intelligence detects breaches and enhances cybersecurity.

• Breached Password Detection: Identifies exposed employee credentials.
• Domain Search: Scans company and supply chain email addresses.
• Breach Insights: Provides details on compromised data.
• Seamless Integration: Connects with existing security tools and SIEM solutions.
• Continuous Monitoring: Alerts on potential breaches for ongoing protection.
• Privacy Assurance: Ensures encrypted, non-stored password searches.

6. Preemptive Security Testing with Email Threat Simulator

Instead of waiting for attacks, our Email Threat Simulator helps organizations:

• Identify security gaps before attackers exploit them.
• Simulate sophisticated phishing campaigns to assess security posture.
• Strengthen defenses through AI-driven analysis.

Agentic AI Risks & Ethical Considerations

While Agentic AI improves cybersecurity, it also presents new challenges. Cybercriminals are using AI to create more convincing phishing scams, deepfake attacks, and automated hacking techniques.

Key concerns include:

• Reliability Issues: AI can make errors in detecting cyber threats, leading to missed attacks or false alarms.
• Legal & Compliance Risks: Regulations like GDPR and CCPA require AI systems to be more transparent and accountable.
• Black-Box Concerns: AI decisions can be difficult to explain, making human oversight necessary to ensure fairness and accuracy.

As AI becomes more integrated into cybersecurity, organizations must address these risks to ensure safe and ethical use.

How Keepnet Ensures AI Safety & Compliance

Keepnet follows a strict AI governance framework to minimize risks and ensure responsible AI use. Key measures include:

• Bias Reduction: AI models are continuously trained on diverse datasets to prevent biased decision-making.
• Transparency & Oversight: AI decisions are logged, reviewed, and validated with human oversight.
• Regulatory Compliance: Keepnet adheres to GDPR, CCPA, ISO/IEC 42001:2023, and emerging AI ethics standards.

These safeguards ensure AI remains accurate, fair, and aligned with security regulations.

To learn more about the safe use of AI in cybersecurity, read our guide on AI-driven Security Awareness Training.

Keepnet's ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Certification

Keepnet is committed to data privacy, AI governance, and cloud security, holding key ISO certifications that ensure compliance with global standards.

• ISO/IEC 42001:2023 – Establishes a framework for responsible AI management, covering ethics, risk management, transparency, and data integrity.
• ISO/IEC 27017 – Focuses on securing cloud environments, helping both cloud service providers and users reduce security risks.
• ISO/IEC 27018 – The first international standard for cloud data privacy, setting guidelines for protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

These certifications reflect Keepnet’s commitment to security, regulatory compliance, and trust in AI-driven and cloud-based cybersecurity solutions.

To learn more, read Keepnet Achieves ISO 42001 - Certification For AI Management for details on how Keepnet ensures responsible AI management and compliance with global security standards.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Agentic AI?

Gartner predicts that by 2028, one-third of AI interactions will involve autonomous agents completing tasks without human intervention. (Source) As AI advances, cybersecurity must adapt to:

• AI Battlefront: Defensive and malicious AI systems will continuously evolve, competing to outsmart each other.
• Tighter Regulations: Governments will introduce stricter AI laws, such as the AI Act and expanded CCPA, to ensure transparency and security.
• Smarter Cyber Threats: Hackers will create AI-driven attacks designed to bypass security protections.
• Automated Security: Organizations will rely on Agentic AI for 24/7 threat detection and response.

The Future of Cybersecurity with Agentic AI

Agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity, offering faster threat detection, prevention, and response. Organizations that adopt it will gain a significant edge against evolving cyber threats. However, AI-driven security also comes with risks, including potential misuse by attackers, compliance challenges, and ethical concerns.

To stay ahead, businesses must leverage AI responsibly, balancing innovation with security and oversight.