Least Privilege Access
Granting automations only the permissions required to run specific workflows.
Least privilege access means giving automations only the permissions they need—no more. It limits blast radius if credentials are leaked or logic misbehaves.
In operations, it applies to API keys, service accounts, and database roles. Each workflow gets scoped rights to read/write only relevant objects.
It fits into security posture as a default: separate creds per workflow, restrict to least necessary scopes, and rotate regularly. The impact is reduced risk and easier audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scope API keys?
Use per-workflow keys with restricted endpoints and rate limits. Avoid sharing keys across unrelated automations.
How often should I rotate credentials?
On a schedule (e.g., 90 days) and after personnel changes or suspected compromise. Automate rotation where possible.
What about database access?
Create roles with minimal privileges—read-only where possible, limited write tables for specific workflows. Avoid using admin roles for automation.
How do I manage secrets safely?
Store in a secrets manager, never in code. Limit access by role, audit usage, and avoid logging secrets.
Can least privilege slow development?
It adds setup overhead but prevents costly incidents. Standardize role templates to speed onboarding.
How do I audit permissions?
Regularly review who/what can access each system. Remove unused accounts and tighten overly broad scopes.
Should humans and automations share accounts?
No. Use separate service accounts for automations to keep audit trails clear and limit scope properly.
How do I handle third-party vendors?
Scope their access, use scoped API keys, and monitor activity. Revoke when contracts end or scope changes.
What metrics indicate good least privilege?
Low count of broad-scoped credentials, regular rotations, minimal unused accounts, and fast revocation processes.
Agentic AI
An AI approach where models autonomously plan next steps, choose tools, and iterate toward an objective within guardrails.
Agentic Workflow
A sequence where an AI agent plans, executes tool calls, evaluates results, and loops until success criteria are met.
Agent Handoff
A pattern where one AI agent passes context and state to another specialized agent to keep multi-step automation modular.
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