AI Agent
: An autonomous AI system that can plan multi-step tasks, execute actions, use tools, and iterate based on results without continuous human oversight. In coding, AI agents like Claude Code, Devin, and Replit Agent can read codebases, write code, run tests, debug errors, and deploy applications independently. They differ from simple code completion by maintaining context and taking actions across multiple steps.
Why It Matters for AI-Coded Apps
AI agents have broader security implications than simple code generators because they can execute commands, modify files, access APIs, and interact with external services autonomously. A compromised or poorly configured agent can introduce vulnerabilities at scale, expose secrets, or make unauthorized changes to production systems.
Real-World Example
An AI agent tasked with ‘fix the deployment’ reads error logs, modifies configuration files, updates environment variables, pushes to git, and triggers a deployment. Without proper guardrails, it might commit secrets, disable security checks to fix errors, or modify production configuration in ways that create vulnerabilities.
How to Detect and Prevent It
Run AI agents in sandboxed environments with minimal permissions. Use allowlists for commands the agent can execute. Require human approval for destructive actions (deleting files, pushing to production, modifying permissions). Monitor agent actions with audit logs. Never give agents access to production credentials or admin APIs without oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AI agents safe to use for development?
AI agents are safe when properly constrained. Use tools with built-in safety measures (Claude Code requires tool approval), run in sandboxed environments, limit filesystem and network access, and review all changes before committing. The risk comes from giving agents too much autonomy without guardrails.
What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot?
A chatbot generates text responses. An AI agent takes actions: reading files, writing code, running commands, calling APIs, and iterating on results. Agents maintain state across multiple steps and can complete complex multi-step tasks autonomously. This autonomy is both their power and their risk.
How do I secure AI agent access?
Apply least privilege: give the agent only the permissions it needs. Use separate credentials with limited scope. Monitor and log all agent actions. Implement kill switches for runaway agents. Require human approval for sensitive operations. Never share production database credentials or admin API keys with agents.
Scan your app for security issues automatically
Vibe Eval checks for 200+ vulnerabilities in AI-generated code.
Try Vibe Eval