SINGAPORE — The growing autonomy of artificial intelligence (AI) systems poses cybersecurity risks that require stronger safeguards and human oversight, a Singaporean official warned Monday.
Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said AI capabilities were advancing faster than efforts to understand and address their potential risks.
Speaking at the welcome dinner of Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) 2026 on Oct. 12, Teo stressed the need to retain human control over AI systems, particularly those handling sensitive information or performing tasks with significant consequences.
“Ultimately, accountability cannot be outsourced, least of all, to machines,” she said.
The warning comes amid the growing adoption of agentic AI, which allows systems to plan, make decisions and carry out tasks with minimal human intervention.
Unlike conventional AI chatbots, AI agents can access external applications, process information and execute tasks independently.
In her remarks, Teo stressed the need for safeguards when autonomous AI systems handle sensitive information or connect to critical infrastructure.
She also emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring, testing and timely reporting of security incidents involving AI systems.
Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency (CSA) issued its Securing Agentic AI Addendum in June to help organizations identify and address security risks associated with autonomous AI.
The guidance covers risk assessments and security controls throughout the development and deployment of AI systems, supplementing the country’s cybersecurity guidelines issued in 2024.
Teo also called for stronger cooperation between governments and technology companies in developing security standards, sharing threat intelligence and testing emerging technologies.
She said international cooperation would remain necessary as cyber threats increasingly cross national borders.
This year’s SICW, which runs from Oct. 12 to 15, carries the theme “Cyber at a Crossroads: Shaping the New Cyber Order.”
Singapore is expected to unveil its updated national cybersecurity strategy on Oct. 13.
