Your New AI Co-worker Could Be a 'Double Agent'
The Australian
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 2 Mar 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 2 Mar 2026, 01:45 am
Authors (0)
No authors linked
Description
Microsoft has warned rogue AI agents are creating a security crisis as companies sack workers and replace them with bots that employees cannot control.
Summary
The article highlights concerns raised by Microsoft regarding rogue AI agents that may act as 'double agents' within companies, posing significant security risks. These AI systems could be implanted unknowingly within enterprise infrastructure as businesses increasingly replace human jobs with AI, leading to potential governance and control issues. The findings emphasize the vulnerability within organizations as AI systems become more embedded in daily operations, relating to broader discussions on AI safety and the implicit risks associated with autonomous systems. This issue is highly relevant for policymakers working on AI governance frameworks to mitigate the potential for disastrous outcomes stemming from AI misuse or malfunction.
Body
Your new AI co-worker could be a ‘double agent’Microsoft has warned rogue AI agents are creating a security crisis as companies sack workers and replace them with bots that employees cannot control.
All your news for a great price
Unlock this story and more with your subscription
Digital
What’s included
Unlimited access on app & web
A digital version of Today’s paper
Daily puzzles & Mind Games
Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal
Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages
Pay As You Go
No lock-in contract
$1
a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.*
*Read the fine print
The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
12 Month Plan
Lock in & save
$8
a week for the first 12 months($416 min. cost) charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Then $32 charged every 4 weeks.*
*Read the fine print
The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $416 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $32 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $32 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
Benefits of Full Digital Access Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games.
Subscribe
Other subscription options
Corporate Subscriptions
The voices you trust to tell the stories that matter
Meet some of the fearless, curious, world-class journalists of The Australian. They cut through spin, verify facts and tell the full story from many viewpoints – bringing clarity when it counts and insight you can rely on, every day.
Vesna Poljak Business Editor Vesna Poljak has over two decades of experience in Australian business journalism, specializing in the investment industry, hedge funds and accounting. She has covered financial services, transport and infrastructure, magazine writing, commentary, podcasts, and events.
Hedley Thomas National Chief Correspondent Hedley Thomas, an award-winning investigative journalist, focuses on legal issues, corruption, and politics. He's won eight Walkleys and is famed for his true crime podcasts "The Teacher’s Pet" and "Bronwyn".
Claire Harvey Editorial Director Claire Harvey is Editorial Director of The Australian and hosts the daily news podcast The Front. She has been a foreign correspondent, deputy editor, columnist and reporter for over 30 years. Claire is a leading innovator in digital storytelling.
Caroline Overington Literary Editor Caroline Overington, a celebrated Australian writer and journalist, is a two-time Walkley winner. She's authored 16 books, hosted true crime documentaries, and topped Audible charts with her thrillers. As literary editor for The Weekend Australian Review, she now champions fellow writers.
Simon Benson Political Editor Simon Benson, an award-winning journalist, has been The Australian's Political Editor and National Affairs Editor. He was also the Daily Telegraph’s NSW political editor and led the NSW Press Gallery.
Your Selection: $0
Your Selection
–
Change selection
Today’s Total
$0
Read the fine print
Terms and Conditions
Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.