How Agentic AI is Transforming Cybersecurity and Shaping Policy in the UK

Agentic AI is no longer confined to research papers and labs. Its growing ability to operate independently has made it a useful tool for businesses, but also a new weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. Autonomous agents can now carry out persistent, adaptive attacks that bypass traditional defenses, raising fresh concerns in cybersecurity.

At the same time, governments are stepping in to set the direction. The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan lays out a national strategy to encourage innovation while addressing the risks. Industries are responding with a mix of enthusiasm and caution as they assess what comes next.

The Rise of Agentic AI and Its Role in Cyber Threats

Agentic AI refers to intelligent systems built to act on their own, make decisions, and pursue goals without constant human direction. This autonomy makes them highly efficient at managing repetitive and complex tasks, and they’re already being used in logistics, customer support, and analytics. However, this same autonomy makes them harder to predict and control when misused.

Over the past year, security researchers have reported growing use of agentic AI in cyberattacks. These agents can scan networks, identify vulnerabilities, and adjust tactics in real time. Unlike static malware, they evolve as defenses change. They can craft convincing phishing messages, impersonate real users, and even coordinate attacks across multiple systems at once. Their speed and persistence allow them to exploit weaknesses that might be overlooked by human attackers, creating a new kind of threat landscape.

Their ability to work continuously and at scale has lowered the barrier to launching large, coordinated attacks. Smaller businesses and public sector organizations—often under-protected—have become prime targets. What was once a niche concern for major corporations has spread, leaving a much wider range of systems exposed to risks they are unprepared for.

Why the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan Matters Now

In response to the rapid rise of advanced AI tools, including agentic AI, the UK government published the AI Opportunities Action Plan earlier this year. The document outlines a national approach to making AI work for the economy and society while addressing potential harms. By focusing on innovation, safety, skills development, and ethical practices, the plan seeks to ensure that AI growth benefits everyone.

One of the key elements is its attention to governance and security standards. These guidelines are seen as critical by businesses that need clarity on acceptable practices and expectations. With agentic AI making cyberattacks more damaging, there is growing recognition of the need for coordinated policies. The plan also stresses collaboration with private industry to shape solutions, which has been welcomed as a practical way to balance oversight with flexibility.

Technology firms have broadly supported the UK’s approach, noting that clear standards help build trust. However, some experts say that words must now be matched with funding and training to make these ideas effective. Smaller enterprises, in particular, need support to implement security measures and adopt AI responsibly. The plan has sparked discussions about how to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy while defending against its unintended consequences.

Industry Reaction: Between Caution and Optimism

Reactions from industry have reflected the tension between opportunity and risk. Cybersecurity firms have used the growing threat of agentic AI to advocate for smarter, AI-driven defenses. They argue that human teams alone cannot match the speed and adaptability of autonomous attackers. Defensive AI tools that detect unusual patterns and automatically respond are already being developed to meet this challenge.

In sectors like finance and healthcare, which face frequent attacks, concerns have been raised about the ability to keep pace with malicious agentic AI. Calls for greater investment, education, and public-private partnerships have grown louder. Many smaller organizations worry that they could be left behind without accessible tools and guidance.

At the same time, the UK’s plan has been seen as a positive step toward creating a predictable environment for innovation. Startups and established tech companies alike have welcomed the emphasis on ethical development and responsible deployment. The prospect of clear rules and coordinated oversight has helped companies build confidence in investing in new AI technologies, knowing that standards are being shaped in consultation with industry.

Finding the Middle Ground Between Autonomy and Control

The debate over how much independence AI agents should have is now at the center of discussions about the future of technology. Agentic AI has delivered efficiency and opened new possibilities, but it has also exposed the limits of traditional oversight. Autonomous agents capable of pursuing their objectives, especially when manipulated by malicious actors, challenge assumptions about safety.

The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan represents an effort to set boundaries without stifling progress. By tying opportunity to accountability, the government has signaled that innovation must come with safeguards. Many analysts see this balanced approach as a model for addressing both the promise and the risk of autonomous systems.

The coming years will test how well industries and regulators can work together to steer agentic AI toward constructive uses while limiting harm. With the technology advancing quickly, it has become clear that neither unchecked autonomy nor blanket restrictions will deliver the outcomes society needs.

Conclusion

Agentic AI has reached a point where its influence can no longer be ignored. The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan offers a way to channel its benefits while addressing its risks, particularly in cybersecurity. As industries react to these guidelines, they’re beginning to invest in defensive technologies and adopt more responsible practices. There is still uncertainty about how effective these efforts will be, but there is growing recognition that collaborative action is necessary. The challenge will be staying ahead of malicious uses while keeping the door open for innovation. What happens next will shape how agentic AI impacts society.

For more insights into AI and cybersecurity, consider exploring resources from the National Cyber Security Centre, which offers guidance on safeguarding against such threats.