AI-agent security requires identity, permissions and response controls

AI agents may use tools, credentials and connected services. Traditional asset inventories alone do not explain what an agent can access or what actions it is authorised to perform. This guide looks at the operating model behind DGi Sentinel and the questions a buyer should ask before choosing a system.

What a useful workflow should cover

Register agent owners and permissions, collect relevant telemetry, review behavioural anomalies and define bounded response actions such as suspending an agent or revoking a token through authorised integrations.

• Assessment workspace: define ownership, status and supporting records for this part of the process.
• Asset and scope control: define ownership, status and supporting records for this part of the process.
• Findings and evidence: define ownership, status and supporting records for this part of the process.
• Risk prioritisation: define ownership, status and supporting records for this part of the process.
• Remediation workflow: define ownership, status and supporting records for this part of the process.

How to evaluate the approach

For smes, msp customers, it teams and security-led organisations, the practical test is whether a user can follow a record from the initial request through action, evidence and review. A dashboard should make exceptions visible and allow the team to open the underlying information rather than rely on an isolated score.

Controlled assessment workflows, evidence capture, risk scoring, audit history and AI-assisted interpretation designed to support authorised defensive security work.

Implementation considerations

Containment must have clear approval, rollback and audit controls. An automated response should not silently create unrestricted security policies.

Before rollout, document the roles, data sources, approval points and the records that must be retained. Agree which information is authoritative and how corrections will be recorded. Pilot the workflow with representative users and review incomplete or disputed records rather than measuring success solely by the number of screens delivered.

Questions to ask before selecting software

1. Who owns each record and approves completion?
2. What evidence is needed when an exception occurs?
3. How are permissions and changes audited?
4. Which integrations are necessary, and how will their data be verified?
5. Can the team export or review the underlying records?

Explore DGi Sentinel or contact DGi Smart to discuss the operational requirements.