Okta CEO Todd McKinnon bets on AI agent identity security in 2026

In short: Okta CEO Todd McKinnon says the company is focusing in 2026 on securing “agentic AI” and reducing identity-based attacks.

What's going on

Okta is a company many office workers run into during their day, often as an extra login step before opening an app or joining a meeting. In simple terms, Okta helps big organizations manage who can sign in to what, like a central key desk for many different doors.

In a recent interview, Okta co-founder and CEO Todd McKinnon said he is putting more attention on security for “agentic AI.” That phrase refers to AI systems that can take actions on their own, like scheduling tasks, sending messages, or moving information between tools (think of it like a digital assistant that does not just answer questions, but also runs errands).

Okta says identity is a key target for attackers, because getting control of a login can be like stealing a master key. McKinnon also pointed to new pressure from regulations and growing concerns about AI-related security threats. Okta reported 13% revenue growth year over year to $728 million in its fiscal year 2026 second quarter.

McKinnon also highlighted Okta’s “Secure Identity Commitment,” which the company describes as an effort to help protect critical systems from identity attacks. Separately, Okta for Good has pledged $50 million to support nonprofit work in cybersecurity training and workforce development.

What to watch

If more companies deploy AI that can take actions, they may also need clearer rules for what those AI tools are allowed to do and how they sign in. Watch for Okta and rivals to offer more controls that treat AI tools like new “users,” with their own logins and limits.

Source: The Verge AI