Okta has officially acquired Permiso Security, an AI-focused identity security startup, in a move that signals growing corporate demand for protecting machine identities and AI agents. The deal, valued at just under $200 million according to a source familiar with the transaction, is structured as an almost all-cash arrangement. Main Developments Announced on Thursday, the acquisition targets the emerging need for security around autonomous software and machine identities. Okta did not disclose the terms publicly, but a spokesperson did not dispute the $200 million figure when questioned by TechCrunch. CEO Todd McKinnon declined to comment on specific deal terms. Background Permiso Security specializes in AI identity security, a niche that has gained urgency as enterprises deploy more autonomous software and AI agents across their operations. Okta, a leading identity management platform, has been expanding its security portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Read also: Tesla Hits 10 Million EVs, Halfway to Musk's Pay Goal Why It Matters As companies increasingly rely on AI-driven automation, the number of non-human identities—such as bots, APIs, and AI agents—is exploding. Traditional identity tools often fail to secure these machine identities, creating new attack surfaces. Okta's acquisition positions it to address this gap before it becomes a major liability. What's Next Okta is expected to integrate Permiso's technology into its existing identity security suite, though a timeline has not been announced. The deal underscores a broader industry trend toward specialized security solutions for AI-driven enterprise environments.