The Rise of Non-Human Employees in Future Cybersecurity

The future of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly as organizations increasingly integrate non-human employees into their security frameworks. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud automation, businesses are witnessing an exponential growth in Non-Human Identities (NHIs). These include bots, AI agents, service accounts, and automation scripts that play crucial roles in enhancing network security and data protection. According to ConductorOne’s 2025 Future of Identity Security Report, 51% of respondents indicated that NHIs are set to become a significant component of their cybersecurity strategies.

Impact of Non-Human Identities on Cybersecurity

The incorporation of NHIs into cybersecurity strategies presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, these non-human entities can process vast amounts of data quickly, enabling organizations to respond to threats with unprecedented speed and efficiency. They can analyze patterns in threat intelligence, automate incident response, and improve overall system resilience. This technological advancement allows for a more proactive approach to protecting sensitive information and maintaining user privacy.

However, the rise of NHIs also introduces new vulnerabilities. As the number of non-human identities increases, so does the attack surface for cybercriminals. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in automated systems, potentially compromising user data and system integrity. Organizations must be vigilant in monitoring these identities and ensuring that they are secured against unauthorized access and exploitation.

Preparing for a Future with Non-Human Employees

As enterprises prepare for a future where non-human employees play a central role in cybersecurity, several best practices should be implemented. First, organizations must ensure that all software related to NHIs is updated to the latest versions. Automatic updates should be enabled wherever possible to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited. Additionally, monitoring security advisories from affected vendors is crucial in identifying potential risks associated with NHIs.

Furthermore, employing multi-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to non-human identities, making it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access. As NHIs become more prevalent, organizations must also consider utilizing VPN services to protect their internet traffic and safeguard sensitive data from potential breaches.

What to do

To effectively manage the transition to a future with non-human employees in cybersecurity, consider the following steps:

Update all affected software to the latest versions immediately.
Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure ongoing protection.
Monitor security advisories from affected vendors to stay informed about potential threats.
Use a VPN service to protect your internet traffic. Consider reliable options like ProtonVPN or NordVPN.
Implement additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication to enhance the security of non-human identities.

Context

The shift towards incorporating non-human employees in cybersecurity reflects broader trends in technology adoption across various industries. As organizations increasingly rely on automation and AI, ensuring the security of these systems becomes paramount. The future of cybersecurity will likely see a greater emphasis on protecting both human and non-human identities, necessitating a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses all aspects of an organization’s operations.