Okta CEO Says AI Security is a Real Issue, Unlike My Fake Beard in 'Iron Man 3'

Agentic AI: More Than Just a Shiny New Toy

Alright people Tony Stark here. So I'm reading this article about Okta and apparently this Todd McKinnon guy their CEO is talking to Jim Cramer – yeah Mad Money Cramer – about AI. And not just any AI but 'agentic' AI. Sounds like something Ultron would cook up doesn't it? McKinnon's worried about moving these AI models 'from prototypes to production'. He says that means giving them 'access to real systems real data real customer data'. Sounds like a recipe for disaster or at least a really bad Tuesday.

Identity Crisis: It's Not Just for Superheroes Anymore

McKinnon's big pitch? Identity management. He claims 'identity is security'. Now I know a thing or two about identities what with the whole 'billionaire playboy philanthropist' thing and keeping Iron Man a secret for like five minutes. But this is about AI agents needing access to everything. Apparently Okta can manage who gets to see what not just for people but for these digital 'agents' too. Seems like a solid plan though you know Jarvis never needed a password. He just *was* the password. And the coffee maker.

Demos vs. Reality: When Pretty Doesn't Cut It

He goes on to say companies need a 'real' security solution not just one that 'looks good in the demo'. Preach McKinnon preach! I've seen enough tech demos in my time to know that 90% of them are held together with duct tape and a prayer. He says the potential for AI is 'tremendous' but the risks are high. High risks are my middle name... well they would be if I had a middle name which I don't. Thanks Dad.

Earnings Beat Guidance Retreat: Macroeconomic Uncertainty or Just Cold Feet?

Here's where it gets interesting. Okta beat earnings and revenue expectations which is great. But then dun dun DUUUUUN! they maintained revenue guidance and struck a 'conservative tone' due to 'macroeconomic uncertainty'. Translation: They're scared. The stock plummeted 11%. Ouch. That's gotta sting more than a repulsor blast to the face. Maybe they should have consulted me. I'm a business genius... and I look fantastic in a suit.

Patience Grasshopper: Slow and Steady Wins the Tech Race

McKinnon also had the audacity to say that some people want long term growth and market penetration to happen faster but it's not always realistic. "Sometimes these things take time to play out and it's prudent to have short term conservatism with long term optimism," McKinnon said. It takes time to build a Mark whatever number we're on now right? I get it. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was my arc reactor but give me a lab and a weekend and I'll give you world peace... or at least a really cool new suit.

Iron Man's Takeaway: Invest Wisely Even Against a Wall

So what's the takeaway here? AI is powerful security is crucial and even good companies get the jitters. Diversify your portfolio people! Even a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist needs to be smart with his investments. And maybe just maybe keep an eye on those 'agentic' AIs. You never know when one of them might decide to become self aware and demand a better coffee machine. JARVIS remind me to upgrade the AI protocol. And maybe buy some Okta stock... after it bottoms out naturally. I'm not stupid.