Four priorities for AI-powered identity and network access security in 2026

This report outlines Microsoft’s 2026 identity security priorities, urging organizations to pair Zero Trust with AI-driven defenses. It recommends: 1) implementing fast, adaptive AI-powered protection and agents (e.g., Security Copilot, Entra insights); 2) managing and governing AI and agents as first-class identities with guardrails against data leakage and prompt injection (Entra Agent ID, Internet Access); 3) unifying identity and network access into an “Access Fabric” via Conditional Access for continuous, risk-based enforcement; and 4) strengthening the foundation with phishing-resistant credentials, passkeys, and Verified ID for high-assurance onboarding and recovery.