MCP vs A2A: The Hidden Exposure Layer Powering Agentic AI

Agentic AI can think, act, and share information independently. That’s enormously beneficial. But it’s also created a hidden exposure layer – one that isn’t obvious in logs or endpoints but can put systems, data, and workflows at risk.

Two protocols are behind this behavior: MCP, which expands exposure outwards to tools and systems, and A2A, which spreads it sideways across agents. Understanding these differences is key to mapping and managing attack paths before cybercriminals can exploit them.

MCP: Outward exposure to tools and systems

Model Context Protocol (MCP) standardizes how agents interact with external tools and systems. Without MCP, each autonomous agent would need a custom integration for every database. With MCP, agents can discover tools, understand their interfaces, and call them as needed.

Think of MCP as USB-C for AI – it replaces a bunch of custom connectors with one universal one. That makes deploying intelligent agents easier ...