5 While applications of generative and agentic AI proliferate among enterprise organisations, data security continues to be a major priority for commercial and civic leaders. More than four of every five Fortune 500 companies already use AI agents that access corporate data and act across business systems, according to Microsoft Copilot Studio data. This introduces new security concerns, from data oversharing to the possibility that agents with too much access may become a vulnerability that those with malicious intent could seek to exploit. While AI agents pose a potential risk to security, they can also be part of the response. Microsoft’s 2026 Data Security Index indicates that 82 per cent of organisations have developed plans to embed generative AI into their data security operations, up from 64 per cent the previous year. The answer to AI risk may lie in a proven strategy: zero trust. According to Microsoft’s vice president of data and AI security Herain Oberoi: “Zero trust means designing systems where nothing is trusted by default, AI behaviour is continuously verified, and observability and risk-based conditional access are implemented from the start.” You can hear more from Herain, and Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president of Microsoft Security, in our cover story, which begins on page 38. We also find out about the important role that Microsoft partners including Barco, Cisco and Intermedia are playing to protect enterprises from AI risks. If you are heading to the annual Hannover Messe gathering of manufacturers in Germany this April, you may be interested in our look at operational technology security, on page 78. We also speak with Microsoft’s corporate vice president of global manufacturing and mobility, Dayan Rodriguez, about the way ahead for Microsoft, its partners, and their manufacturing customers, on page 30. As always, there’s much more over the following pages too, from new hybrid meeting technology to improved healthcare outcomes. I hope you enjoy the read. ANDY CLAYTON-SMITH: EXECUTIVE EDITOR The A to Z of risk and response WELCOME: SPRING 2026
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