ServiceNow Launches AI Passport to Govern Agent Actions
ServiceNow introduces AI Passport, a credential system that enforces runtime limits on AI agents within enterprise workflows.
Key points
- AI Passport provides runtime control over what AI agents and MCP servers are authorized to do.
- The solution uses cryptographically signed credentials to verify agent scope at every workflow step.
- Graduated responses, including kill switches, enforce limits when agents drift from authorized actions.
ServiceNow has announced a new solution called AI Passport to provide runtime governance for artificial intelligence agents. According to Help Net Security, the company aims to ensure these agents are production-ready by combining oversight with platform integration inside its operational AI harness. This announcement addresses the need for structure in enterprise AI workflows.
AI Passport functions as an authority layer that grants enterprises control over agent actions at every point in multi-agent workflows. The system helps organizations discover which AI is running, control agent behavior, and measure spending against outcomes. ServiceNow states that agents require more than reasoning models to execute workflows securely; they need clear rules for data access and auditable records of authorization.
Technical Implementation and Governance
AI Passport is a cryptographically signed credential that AI agents consult at runtime to verify their authorized scope. This verification occurs within specific environments, such as NVIDIA OpenShell, and is grounded in enterprise business context. The solution is built on open specifications, allowing any governance product or identity provider to issue and verify credentials for both internal and third-party agents.
When an AI agent operates within its passport scope, it can function freely. However, if the agent drifts from its authorized parameters, the system enforces graduated responses. These actions can include redirecting, restricting, or reconnecting the agent with proper context. In critical situations, the system can execute kill switch capabilities at machine speed to terminate the agent’s activity.
Operational Oversight and Audit Trails
ServiceNow’s Super Intelligence Control Tower maintains a full audit record of actions taken by AI agents. This capability transforms agent execution into governed, auditable, and accountable work. Jon Sigler, EVP and GM of AI Platform at ServiceNow, stated that visibility alone is insufficient for enterprises managing proliferating AI agents. He noted that the company closes this gap by unifying agent authority, governance, and operational oversight.
Sigler emphasized that enterprises need confidence that every AI agent operates within its authorized scope. The new capabilities allow organizations to scale agentic AI while maintaining control. The solution ensures that credentials are verifiable at every step in complex multi-agent workflows, providing a foundation for safe production use.
What should you do?
Organizations deploying AI agents should review their current governance frameworks to identify gaps in runtime control. Security teams should verify that their platforms support cryptographically signed credentials for agent authorization. IT leaders should ensure that audit trails are enabled for all AI-driven workflows to maintain accountability and compliance with internal policies.
What to do and how to stay safe: ServiceNow
- Verify that your AI platform supports runtime governance and credential verification for agents.
- Ensure audit logging is enabled for all AI agent actions to maintain accountability.
- Review authorization scopes for AI agents to prevent unauthorized data access.
- Monitor for drift in agent behavior and configure appropriate graduated responses.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What is ServiceNow AI Passport?
AI Passport is a cryptographically signed credential that gives enterprises runtime control over what AI agents are authorized to do.
How does AI Passport enforce limits on agents?
It uses graduated responses, such as redirecting or restricting actions, and can employ kill switches at machine speed if termination is needed.
Is AI Passport compatible with third-party agents?
Yes, it is built on open specifications, allowing any governance product or identity provider to issue and verify credentials for third-party agents.
