The era of AI agents: How can the GRC oversee the business environment?

The integration of artificial intelligence agents into business processes is transforming the way companies operate, promising unprecedented efficiency and automation. However, this technological revolution brings with it challenges that need to be carefully managed, especially with regard to governance, risks, and compliance (GRC). How to ensure that these agents act ethically and securely, protecting data and business integrity?

The growing role of AI agents

Artificial intelligence agents, also called autonomous bots, represent an evolution of traditional chatbots. They not only answer questions, but they perform complex tasks independently, such as generating financial reports, optimizing industrial processes, and even managing projects. Renowned companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Johnson & Johnson are already exploring these tools to boost their productivity.

These agents offer the potential to reduce costs and increase efficiency. For example, at companies like eBay, they are already coding programs and creating marketing campaigns. In sectors such as telecommunications, agents are answering internal questions and carrying out administrative tasks, freeing employees for strategic activities.

Governance challenges with AI agents

While promising, these technologies pose significant risks. A Gartner projection indicates that, by 2028, 15% of business decisions will be made autonomously by AI agents. However, 25% of corporate security breaches will also be related to the inappropriate use of these tools. Thus, it is up to the GRC to develop robust frameworks that oversee the ethical and safe use of these agents.

Challenges include mitigating potential biases in the results generated by bots, preventing cyber abuse, and ensuring that automated decisions are aligned with organizational policies. Human supervision is still indispensable, especially to review critical results and avoid systemic failures.

Strategies for safe and efficient use

1. Development of Governance policies: Companies need to define clear guidelines for the use of AI agents, establishing responsibilities and performance criteria.
2. training: Both bots and human teams need to be trained regularly. This includes calibrating agents for specific tasks and educating employees about their limits and capabilities.
3. Integration with GRC: Advanced GRC tools can help monitor bots' actions, identify deviations, and generate real-time insights into their performance and compliance.
4. Focus on Cybersecurity: Implementing robust security protocols to protect the data managed by AI agents is essential. This includes constant monitoring and the application of technologies such as blockchain to increase transparency.

Balancing benefits and risks

Artificial intelligence agents have the power to revolutionize the business environment, but their adoption requires caution and strategic planning. Integrating these tools into GRC practices ensures that organizations realize their potential without compromising safety and ethics.

By prioritizing proactive oversight, companies can lead in the era of automation, taking advantage of the benefits of AI while minimizing associated risks. Discover how to transform risks into opportunities and lead in the era of automation. Get in touch with Vennx and elevate your GRC strategy.