AI Agents Are New. The Security Fundamentals Are Not

The conversation around AI is shifting from what agents can do to how enterprises actually govern and secure them. 

In this episode of ClearTech Loop, Jo Peterson sits down with cybersecurity professional Marcus Cylar to talk about least-privilege access for AI agents, shadow AI, security awareness and what CISOs should prioritize as agentic AI becomes part of the enterprise. 

Marcus challenges the idea that AI automatically requires an entirely new security playbook. His argument: before organizations rush toward new controls and platforms, they need to make sure the cybersecurity fundamentals are actually working. 

The conversation covers why least privilege, role-based access, system inventory and clear ownership still matter; why shadow AI can reveal unmet employee needs; and why creating a culture where employees can honestly disclose the tools they are using is critical to effective governance. 

For CISOs starting from zero, Marcus offers a practical first step: know what you have. 

Before you can govern AI agents, you need visibility into the systems, permissions, ownership and AI tools already operating inside your organization. 

In this episode: 

• Why AI agents do not eliminate traditional cybersecurity fundamentals 
• Least-privilege access in an agentic environment 
• Why security awareness matters even more with AI 
• Shadow AI and the “Department of No” 
• The importance of system and AI inventory 
• What CISOs should prioritize in the next 30 days 
• Why trust and transparency are part of AI governance 

Featured Guest: 
Marcus Cylar, DMin 
Cybersecurity professional focused on GRC, security culture, awareness training and program development. 

Hosted by: 
Jo Peterson 
CIO, Clarify360 | Chief Analyst, ClearTech Research 

Episode Quote: 
“That path starts with a passionate return to the fundamentals of cybersecurity.” — Marcus Cylar 

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