Okta’s CEO Todd McKinnon thinks AI agents will soon need their own login credentials, just like human employees do at work. His company already helps big businesses manage passwords and security for thousands of workers.
This might sound weird, but it makes sense when you think about it. AI agents are starting to do real work – booking meetings, writing emails, even making purchases. If an AI agent can access your company’s bank account, shouldn’t it need proper security clearance?
When Robots Need ID Cards
McKinnon sees a future where AI agents work alongside humans in every company. These digital workers would need their own digital identities, complete with permissions about what they can and can’t access. It’s like giving each AI its own employee badge.
Okta already handles login management for millions of human workers at companies like FedEx and Nordstrom. Now they’re preparing for a world where those same companies might have hundreds of AI agents that also need secure access to different systems.
The timing makes sense. ChatGPT and other AI tools are moving beyond just answering questions – they’re starting to take actions. An AI that can send emails or update databases needs the same security controls as a human employee.
Expect to see more identity management companies racing to solve this problem. As AI agents become common workplace tools, someone needs to make sure they have proper digital credentials and can’t access things they shouldn’t.