Agentic Pentesting: Closing Security Gaps

Picus Security has highlighted the challenges and opportunities of agentic pentesting in a recent report. This form of penetration testing utilizes AI to identify complex attack paths. However, despite its efficiency, a significant portion of IT infrastructure remains untested, posing security risks. A central issue with agentic pentesting is the security restrictions and network boundaries that exclude many systems and vulnerabilities. These limitations result in not all potential attack vectors being recognized.

The inadequate coverage can make companies vulnerable to cyberattacks. To close these gaps, Picus Security recommends combining agentic pentesting with Exposure Validation and Breach Simulation. Exposure Validation checks which systems are actually exposed and thus susceptible to potential attacks. This method allows for a targeted analysis of the security situation. Breach Simulation, on the other hand, tests a company's response to simulated attacks.

These tests help assess the effectiveness of existing security measures and identify weaknesses in the incident response process. By combining these approaches, companies can gain a more comprehensive picture of their security posture. The necessity to close security gaps is underscored by the increasing number of cyberattacks. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), there was a 30% increase in reported security incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year. This trend indicates that companies must take proactive measures to protect their systems.

Another aspect highlighted by Picus Security is the importance of employee training. Often, human errors are the cause of security incidents. Through targeted training programs, companies can raise their employees' awareness of security risks and reduce the likelihood of attacks. The integration of AI into the penetration testing process allows for faster and more precise identification of attack paths. AI-driven systems can recognize patterns and analyze potential vulnerabilities in real-time.

This leads to a quicker response to threats and a more effective defense. The combination of these technologies and approaches could significantly change the security landscape. Companies that implement agentic pentesting in conjunction with Exposure Validation and Breach Simulation could substantially improve their security strategies. According to Picus Security, this could lead to a reduction in security incidents by up to 40%.

However, implementing these methods requires investments in technology and training. Companies must be willing to allocate resources to strengthen their security infrastructure. The need to close security gaps is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated. Picus Security plans to publish a comprehensive study on the impact of agentic pentesting on IT security in the first quarter of 2027.