Jakarta, INTI - As digital transformation accelerates across the financial, logistics, government, and public service sectors, the adoption of artificial intelligence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to rise significantly in 2026.
However, this rapid progress also introduces new cybersecurity risks, particularly with the emergence of agentic AI, autonomous AI systems capable of making decisions and performing complex tasks without direct human intervention.
According to Takanori Nishiyama, SVP APAC and Japan Country Manager at Keeper Security, the Asia-Pacific region has become a global hub for digital modernization, a position that also makes it a prime target for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
“Geopolitical tensions and rapid modernization are pushing organizations across APAC to adopt automation at an unprecedented scale. However, this acceleration is creating new vulnerabilities that many organizations are not yet prepared to address,” he said.
Vast Opportunities, Heightened Risk
By 2026, agentic AI is expected to be deeply embedded across banking systems, supply chains, and government services in major cities such as Beijing, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, and Sydney.
Nishiyama noted that every AI agent requires extensive access to internal systems, which is where the primary risk emerges. “Every credential represents a potential vulnerability. Once compromised, an AI agent can turn into a threat actor operating at machine speed,” he explained.
Given the high level of network connectivity across the APAC region, even minor configuration errors can trigger cross-system threat propagation, including privilege escalation and lateral movement that are difficult to contain using traditional security models.
The rising adoption of AI is also having a significant impact on strategic sectors. The financial industry, long at the forefront of digital transformation, now faces the challenge of autonomous systems with access to vast volumes of sensitive data.
The logistics and transportation sectors were also identified as particularly vulnerable, especially as supply chains become increasingly digitized. Attacks targeting AI-driven could disrupt operations, delay shipments, and even paralyze essential public services.
Zero Trust Becomes the New Standard
To address these next-generation risks, Nishiyama recommended adopting zero-trust and zero-knowledge security architectures. This modern approach includes Secrets Management, Endpoint Privilege Management, and Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
“Traditional security models designed for human users are no longer sufficient. We need strategies that secure identities and access pathways for AI agents themselves,” Nishiyama emphasized.
Despite the risks it introduces, AI is also emerging as a critical tool in cyber defense. Through AI-driven analytics, security systems can detect abnormal behavior in real time, even when attackers are using valid credentials.
“Modern AI-powered Privileged Access Management (PAM) can automatically revoke access when anomalies are detected. This capability is especially vital in complex multi-cloud environments like those across APAC,” he added.
As AI adoption accelerates, 2026 is expected to become a critical turning point for organizations in the APAC region. Those that fail to implement identity-centric security strategies face heightened risks, including data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
“Organizations that establish security foundations built on identity-based controls, zero-trust principles, and AI-driven automation will be best positioned to confront next-generation threats,” Nishiyama concluded.
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