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Okta Pioneers New Strategies to Secure Agentic Identities Amid Rising AI Adoption
As Okta prepares for its annual conference, Oktane, the identity management leader has unveiled its strategic vision to address the growing challenge of securing nonhuman identities (NHIs), particularly AI-driven agents. This initiative comes at a critical juncture when cybersecurity professionals are grappling with a widening gap between rapid AI deployment and the implementation of robust security frameworks.
Eric Kelleher, Okta’s President and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that the company is entering a transformative phase. Following its evolution from on-premises solutions to cloud-based identity platforms, and redefining identity from a mere operational tool to a core security pillar, Okta now confronts the complexities introduced by the proliferation of agentic NHIs.
Kelleher highlighted that the adoption of AI agents by enterprises is outpacing the cybersecurity sector’s ability to govern them effectively. Referencing Okta’s recent AI at Work 2025 report, which surveyed 260 decision-makers across nine countries, he noted that while 91% of organizations have integrated agentic AI into their operations, a mere 10% have established sufficient governance policies to manage these identities securely.
This rapid transition from experimental AI agents to full-scale production environments without adequate oversight exposes companies to significant risks. Proper management of agentic identities-including their registration in identity directories and authentication protocols-is essential to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.
Balancing Innovation and Security in AI Deployment
Ben King, Okta’s Vice President of Security and Trust, described AI as a double-edged sword: a powerful enabler of innovation but also a source of new security concerns. He urged technology leaders to integrate security considerations into their AI strategies, ensuring that Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) collaborate to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.
King stressed the importance of visibility in security operations, stating, “Without comprehensive insight into what exists within your environment, securing it becomes impossible.” While traditional security models have served well, the unprecedented scale and velocity of AI use cases demand continuous adaptation and vigilance.
Enhancing Identity Resilience with Advanced Backup Solutions
In parallel with Okta’s announcements, Rubrik has introduced a new backup and data protection service tailored for Okta customers. This solution integrates seamlessly with Okta’s platform to safeguard critical identity configurations through automated backups, immutable snapshots, and granular recovery options.
Anneka Gupta, Rubrik’s Chief Product Officer, explained, “By securing essential Okta metadata and objects, we empower organizations to rapidly recover from disruptions and strengthen their overall identity resilience with a streamlined, robust solution.”
Cybersecurity Landscape: The Stakes of Identity Protection
As cybercriminals increasingly target identity infrastructures, the imperative for comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) solutions has never been greater. Okta’s proactive approach to agentic identity security positions it at the forefront of this evolving battlefield, offering enterprises the tools needed to defend against emerging threats.
With AI-driven identities becoming integral to business operations, Okta’s initiatives underscore the necessity of marrying innovation with stringent security governance to safeguard digital ecosystems.
