Overview
Agentic browsers—such as Perplexity's Comet—are a relatively new type of browser that are notable for their integration of AI assistants that perform tasks and execute functions with limited human input. These integrations, however, are not approved for university business and are at risk of malicious exploits and data harvesting. This article explains key identifiers for what differentiates an agentic browser from a traditional browser so as to avoid use of non-approved AI tools.
Key Points of Agentic Browsers
Although many common browsers are beginning to implement AI tools, this does not automatically mean that they are an agentic—AI-powered—browser. The main characteristic of an agentic browser is the embedded AI which is used for task automation. This allows the AI to perform actions such as fill out forms for bookings, summarize and send emails, and other complex, multi-step actions with little human input. Other key identifiers of an agentic browser include:
- A conversational search interface where commands and prompts can be made and executed.
- Background synthesis of information across open tabs and applications, allowing the browser to create a knowledge bank based on the information it gathers.
- Frequent scanning of the open browser window for analytical purposes (e.g. to determine the presence of interactive elements such as buttons or links).
Recommended Actions
Traditional browsers such as Firefox and Chrome do not currently utilize AI integration to the extent that agentic browsers do. They require a substantial amount of human input to function, which leaves them less vulnerable to attacks such as CometJacking. Agentic, AI-powered browsers (such as Comet) must not be used to conduct university business or view university data.
Other recommended actions include:
- Avoiding clicking unknown or suspicious links when using agentic or AI-enabled browsers.
- Disabling memory and service integrations in agentic browsers.
- Using TAMU-approved AI tools, found here: AI Services - Technology Services