NHI Forum
This article is based on insights from Entro’s original blog: https://entro.security/secrets-security-glossary/agentic-ai/Agentic AI
Introduction
AI isn’t some far-off concept, it’s already part of how businesses work today. With billions flowing into AI and most businesses listing it as a top priority, one particular development is drawing attention: Agentic AI.
What Makes Agentic AI Different?
Where Did It Come From?
The roots of Agentic AI go back to early research in robotics and multi-agent systems. The idea of “smart agents” capable of acting independently has been around for decades.
What’s changed is the tech: today’s computing power, data pipelines, and learning algorithms have finally caught up to the vision. We're no longer just building tools, we’re building systems that can think ahead.
What Makes It Stand Out
There are a few traits that really define Agentic AI:
- It acts independently, without waiting for instructions.
- It sets its own goals based on what it needs to accomplish.
- It reads the room, constantly scanning and reacting to what’s happening.
- It gets better over time, improving how it works as it learns.
- It works well with others, including humans and other systems.
Put simply: it’s not just fast. It’s smart, aware, and able to adjust in real time.
Why are businesses investing in agentic AI?
Companies aren’t investing in Agentic AI for fun, they’re seeing results.
- It boosts efficiency by automating complex processes and reducing errors.
- It speeds up decisions, especially in areas like finance where timing matters.
- It cuts costs by improving how resources are used and reducing manual work.
- It scales, handling everything from helpdesk queries to global logistics.
- It drives innovation, solving problems traditional systems just can't keep up with.
Real-World Applications
You’ll find Agentic AI in action across industries:
- Healthcare - Helping doctors diagnose faster by analyzing scans and patient data.
- Transportation - Powering self-driving vehicles that make real-time decisions on the road.
- Smart cities - Managing traffic, utilities, and infrastructure more efficiently.
- Finance - Making trades in seconds based on live market insights.
What to Watch For
As powerful as Agentic AI is, there are real concerns that need attention:
- Responsibility - When a system acts on its own, who’s accountable for the outcome?
- Transparency - Businesses need to understand how decisions are made, especially when lives, money, or trust are on the line.
- Security - Autonomous systems handle sensitive data and critical tasks. If they’re not secured properly, the risks are huge.
Final Thoughts
Agentic AI isn’t just another upgrade, it’s a shift in how systems operate. These tools don’t wait for instructions; they make decisions, solve problems, and adapt autonomously. That opens up huge opportunities for businesses ready to embrace them, but it also means we need to rethink how we manage, secure, and trust these systems. The future of automation is active, not passive and it’s already here.