Autonomous Agent Security

Definition ∞ Autonomous Agent Security refers to the protective measures implemented to safeguard self-operating software programs within decentralized or distributed systems. These measures ensure that agents operate as intended, resist malicious interference, and protect the data they handle. It encompasses cryptographic protocols, access controls, and verifiable execution environments.
Context ∞ As blockchain networks increasingly incorporate autonomous agents for tasks like market making or governance, their security becomes a critical concern. Preventing unauthorized manipulation or exploitation of these agents is vital for maintaining system reliability and preventing financial loss. Ongoing research focuses on formal verification methods and secure execution environments to bolster agent trustworthiness.