Runtime Identity describes how AI agents and software processes authenticate and authorize themselves at the moment they execute.
Runtime Identity is a dynamically issued, cryptographically verifiable identity assigned to a workload at execution time. It is scoped, time-bound, policy enforced, and fully auditable. It exists only for the duration of the action it governs.
Traditional systems rely on long-lived service accounts and tokens. Autonomous agents require temporary, tightly scoped access.
Persistent credentials introduce risk. Runtime Identity reduces exposure by issuing authority only when needed.
AI-driven workflows demand clear attribution. Execution-bound identity ensures every action is verifiable.
Modern AI stacks include runtime execution, orchestration, memory, and observability. What has been less defined is how identity functions inside autonomous systems. Runtime Identity binds authority directly to execution context.
Human identity systems were designed for people. Autonomous software requires machine-native authentication, just-in-time credential issuance, and fine-grained authorization enforced at execution time.