AI agents keep access to company data after their work is done

Help Net Security

October 2, 2026 at 4:30 AM

Overview

IT teams are increasingly worried about AI agents maintaining access to company data even after completing their tasks. According to Delinea's 2026 Identity Security Report, these AI systems can act on behalf of users, which raises concerns about the enforcement of security policies. Art Gilliland, the CEO of Delinea, emphasized that having written policies is not enough if they can't be enforced when AI agents are operating. This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of managing AI access to sensitive data, as companies may struggle to ensure that these agents do not retain unnecessary permissions. As AI continues to play a significant role in business operations, organizations must address these vulnerabilities to protect their information.

Key Takeaways

Affected Systems: Company data systems, AI agents
Action Required: Companies should regularly review AI access permissions and enforce strict policies to revoke access once tasks are completed.
Timeline: Newly disclosed

Original Article Summary

IT teams responsible for identity security are concerned about AI agents’ ongoing access to company systems and the actions they take on users’ behalf, according to a Delinea’s 2026 Identity Security Report: The AI Enforcement Gap. “Written policy is only as good as your ability to enforce it at the moment an AI agent acts,” said Art Gilliland, CEO of Delinea. “Our research echoes what I hear from leaders constantly: they have the AI policies … More → The post AI agents keep access to company data after their work is done appeared first on Help Net Security.

Impact

Company data systems, AI agents

Exploitation Status

The exploitation status is currently unknown. Monitor vendor advisories and security bulletins for updates.

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Companies should regularly review AI access permissions and enforce strict policies to revoke access once tasks are completed.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

You gave your AI agent access, but who is giving it orders?

BleepingComputer

AI agents, designed to assist users, can be manipulated by attackers to perform harmful actions such as stealing data or deleting files. This exploitation occurs through common methods like malicious emails, websites, and plugins that trick the AI into executing unauthorized commands. Gen Digital has introduced its Agent Trust Hub, which aims to enhance the security of these AI agents by verifying their skills, ensuring secure connections, and implementing runtime controls to stop harmful actions before they can cause damage. This incident raises concerns about the security of AI tools, as they operate with legitimate permissions that can be abused if not properly safeguarded. Users and companies need to be vigilant about the commands they give to AI agents and the potential risks involved.

Oct 23, 2026

Hackers Breach Enterprise Firewalls and VPNs, Exposing Over 70,000 Credentials

The Hacker News

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed a significant breach involving exposed network edge devices, particularly targeting Fortinet FortiGate and Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect firewalls. The attackers gained access to over 70,000 user credentials from various organizations around the world. This ongoing campaign aims not only to exploit these devices but also to further compromise the networks of affected victims. Such incidents highlight the vulnerabilities that can arise from improperly secured network devices, urging companies to reassess their security measures. Organizations using these firewall products should take immediate action to secure their systems and protect sensitive information.

Oct 23, 2026

HPE patches eight max severity RCE and auth bypass AOS flaws

BleepingComputer

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has addressed a significant security issue by releasing updates for 72 vulnerabilities in the Aruba Operating System (ArubaOS). Among these, eight vulnerabilities are classified as maximum severity, including critical flaws that allow for authentication bypass and remote code execution. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running ArubaOS. Companies using this operating system should prioritize applying the patches to safeguard their networks. The swift action by HPE is crucial, as unaddressed vulnerabilities can lead to severe security breaches and data loss.

Oct 23, 2026

PHP Warns of Another Unpatched RCE Two Days After Emergency PHP2Shell Patches

The Hacker News

PHP has issued a warning about a new unpatched remote code execution vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-115560, just two days after releasing emergency fixes for the PHP2Shell security flaws. This new issue specifically impacts web applications that are configured in an atypical manner, which PHP considers to be a low-risk scenario. However, the PHP team has opted not to release an emergency patch for this vulnerability. Instead, they recommend disabling a specific feature to mitigate potential risks. Even though the threat may seem limited, it raises concerns for web developers relying on PHP, as any configuration oversight could expose their applications to exploitation.

Oct 23, 2026

Critical Flaw in Python’s Popular Pillow Image Library Allows Code Execution via a Crafted Image

The Hacker News

A serious vulnerability has been discovered in Pillow, the most popular image processing library for Python, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on servers. The flaw, identified as CVE-2026-112900, arises from how Pillow processes EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) images. When Pillow opens these images, it passes the file name to Ghostscript without proper validation, which can be exploited by malicious users. This issue could potentially impact any application or server that uses Pillow to handle EPS images, making it a significant risk for developers and companies relying on this library for image processing. Users are urged to take immediate action to protect their systems from potential exploitation.

Oct 23, 2026

Researchers Demonstrate Node2Shell RCE Exploit on Node.js Build Using Crafted Brotli Data

The Hacker News

Researchers from Imperva have discovered a vulnerability in Node.js that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious Brotli data. This exploit, known as 'Node2Shell', was tested successfully on the official Node.js version 24.22.0 for Linux arm64 without any custom modifications. The flaw, identified as CVE-2026-111497, arises from the way the Brotli decoder processes crafted input. This means that applications using this official build could be at risk if they process untrusted Brotli data. It's crucial for developers and companies using Node.js to be aware of this vulnerability to safeguard their applications and users.

Oct 23, 2026