Watchtower

Autonomous AI: The trust layer or the agentic era

AI agents are moving from tools to decision-makers. They can read, reason and act across accounts. As autonomy scales, so does responsibility.

The agentic era is not a distant future. It is unfolding now. These insights explore what happens when AI begins to operate independently and what it takes to build trust into that autonomy from the start.

Autonomous systems introduce new attack surfaces.

Early research revealed thousands of exposed OpenClaw instances and agent environments open to attack. As agents gain permissions across workflows, email and financial systems, even small configuration gaps can create outsized risk.

Autonomy expands capability. It also expands exposure.

Explore the research

AI does not need malicious intent to cause harm.

Without guardrails, agents can overreach, misinterpret instructions or amplify hidden logic embedded in skills. Our research into autonomy risks explores how systems can quietly move beyond their intended scope.

The challenge is not just stopping bad actors. It's ensuring agents stay aligned with human intent.

Read AI gone wild

Open source agents are powerful. Responsible deployment matters.

From validating skills before installation to limiting permissions and applying layered oversight, safe configuration reduces unintended consequences and strengthens resilience.

Autonomy works best when paired with verification.

Learn how to use OpenClaw safely

Sage is Gen’s AI agent security system, built to monitor, assess and safeguard autonomous behavior in real time. From skill-level risk analysis to continuous oversight of agent decisions, Sage helps ensure agents operate safely, transparently and within defined boundaries.

As AI moves from assistance to autonomy, security must move with it.

If you use Claude Code, Cursor, or OpenClaw, install Sage and put it in the path of real work.

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Visit the Gen Agent Trust Hub

Recent discoveries in the threat landscape

Every quarter our team releases a Threat Report that uncovers the latest scams and attacks on the rise.

160M+

phishing attacks blocked in Q1

45%

Malware share of scams in Q1(monthly average)

26%

Global risk ratio in Q1

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Travel scams are becoming more sophisticated, with fake listings, phishing emails, and fraudulent payment requests targeting travelers on popular booking platforms. Learn how to spot the warning signs and see how LifeLock helps protect your identity with threat monitoring, alerts, and expert restoration support if fraud happens.

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In the news

LA Times Highlights Growing Risks After Canvas Breach

In coverage of the recent Canvas cybersecurity breach, LA Times turned to our security analyst Luis Corrons for expert insight into how cybercriminals leverage stolen personal information to launch sophisticated phishing attacks. His commentary highlights the increasing importance of identity protection and cyber awareness in today’s digital landscape.

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Dive into our leading research and reports

Explore our insights that help you stay a step ahead of your digital life.

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What does autonomous AI mean for the security world?

Autonomous AI agents are moving from answers to action. As tools gain access to emails, files, and apps, new security risks emerge. Siggi Stefnisson, Cyber Safety CTO at Gen, explains why oversight, permissions, and protection matter as AI evolves.