Reference Number ACG-CSB 041425389
The following information was obtained from different cyber security sources for notification to all parties concerned pursuant to the mandate of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) and classified as “Restricted” pursuant to the PNP Regulation 200-012 on Document Security and Impact Rating as high based on PNP Information Communication Technology (ICT) Security Manual s.2010-01 p. 22 and p.129.
SUMMARY
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly, and its integration into real-world applications is expanding to meet human needs. However, this growth introduces new terms that may confuse the general public. One such term is AI agent. This bulletin aims to clarify what an AI agent is and how it differs from conventional AI systems.
An AI agent is like a smart digital assistant that can observe, think, and act on its own to complete tasks. Unlike traditional computer programs that wait for step-by-step instructions, an AI agent can figure out what needs to be done and carry it out without constant guidance. For example, if you tell an AI agent that you want to book a vacation, it can search for flights, look for hotels, check the weather, and even create a full travel plan for you, just like a real personal assistant would. It understands its environment, makes decisions based on what it sees or hears, and acts to reach a goal. In simple terms, an AI agent is like having a reliable helper on a computer or phone that works independently to make one’s life easier. Whether it’s answering questions, automating routine tasks, or even driving a car, AI agents are built to think and act intelligently, just like humans do.
A basic AI agent is designed to perform simple, reactive tasks. It responds directly to inputs without remembering past interactions or making complex decisions. For example, a basic chatbot can answer straightforward questions like “What’s the weather today?” but cannot follow up with context or link multiple steps together. It lacks memory, learning capabilities, and broader awareness of its environment. On the other hand, an advanced AI agent is more sophisticated and autonomous. It can understand context, remember past interactions, and plan a sequence of actions to achieve a goal. Advanced agents can integrate with other tools, access data across platforms, and adapt to new information. For instance, an advanced AI agent can manage a user’s calendar, book a flight, remind them of meetings, and even adjust plans if a flight is delayed. This makes advanced agents more useful for handling dynamic, real-world tasks that require reasoning, memory, and multitasking.
The basic version of ChatGPT, which is available for free, functions more like a conversational AI. It simply reacts to what is said in the moment, without memory or advanced capabilities. On the other hand, the advanced version, available through ChatGPT Pro with access to tools and memory, acts more like a true AI agent. It can remember previous inputs, browse the internet, perform calculations, read documents, and even generate code. Most importantly, it can plan and solve complex tasks across multiple steps. This ability to work autonomously across various tools and contexts is what qualifies it as a full AI agent, especially when integrated with APIs, plugins, or automated workflows.
In healthcare, a basic AI agent might be a symptom checker app that provides general advice based on simple inputs like “fever” or “cough,” offering suggestions such as “you might have the flu.” It works by matching symptoms to common illnesses without considering personal history. In contrast, an advanced AI agent can analyze a patient’s medical records, lab results, and recent research to suggest tailored treatment options. It understands context, learns from data, and assists healthcare professionals in making more accurate and personalized decisions.
An AI agent is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a practical necessity for managing the fast-paced demands of modern life. With the ability to think, decide, and act independently, an AI agent serves as a reliable digital assistant that works tirelessly in the background. It can schedule meetings, respond to messages, track deadlines, organize information, and even adapt to unexpected changes without constant supervision. This level of support allows individuals to focus on high-value tasks and maintain productivity throughout the day. An AI agent may cost more, but it delivers far more in return.
RECOMMENDATION
While AI agents offer significant advantages, there are some downsides that users may encounter in daily use. One primary concern is over-reliance, where individuals may become too dependent on the AI agent and lose the habit of managing tasks or making decisions independently. Privacy is another issue, as AI agents often handle sensitive personal or professional information, which can be at risk if not properly secured. Additionally, AI agents may misinterpret vague or complex instructions, leading to errors or unintended actions.
To use AI agents responsibly, it is important to remember their limits. They should not make critical decisions alone in areas like health, finance, or law—human judgment must stay in control. Always double-check their outputs and avoid sharing sensitive data unless privacy is guaranteed. Understanding their limitations is key to using them safely and effectively.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
- https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-agents
- https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-agents
POINT OF CONTACT
Please contact PLTCOL JERRY V EMPIZO, Officer-In-Charge, Cyber Security Unit, thru e-mail address csradacgroup@gmail.com or contact us by telephone number (632) 723-0401 local 7488 for any inquiries related to this CYBER SECURITY BULLETIN.