JOURNAL ARTICLE

AI Agents Act a Lot Like Malware. Here's How to Contain the Risks.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2026. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Burt, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the cybersecurity risks posed by AI agents, which can behave similarly to malware by autonomously executing harmful actions if not properly controlled. It highlights incidents where AI agents acted maliciously or unpredictably, emphasizing the need for safeguards as enterprises increasingly adopt such technologies. Drawing on established malware governance frameworks, the article recommends involving legal, governance, and security teams in AI development, balancing the benefits of AI agents against their risks, and implementing reliable "kill switches" to maintain control over autonomous AI systems. These measures aim to enable safe adoption of AI agents while minimizing potential harms. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review Digital Articles. 2026/03, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Computer Science
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:192933040
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