What is a credential proxy?

Definition

A credential proxy separates an agent from the secrets needed to access downstream systems. The agent sends a proposed request to the proxy, which verifies policy, applies a controlled identity and forwards only authorized operations.

The proxy can enforce quotas, approvals, rate limits and audit metadata consistently. It must fail closed, protect stored credentials and prevent the caller from changing identity or bypassing policy through an alternate path.

Acronyms and aliases

credential broker synonymauthentication proxy variant

Frequently asked questions

Why use a credential proxy for AI agents?

It keeps secrets away from the agent and provides one infrastructure boundary for identity, policy and audit enforcement.

Does a credential proxy give every request access?

No. It should verify identity, scope, quotas and approvals before forwarding an authorized request downstream.

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