What is OpenAPI x-agent-trust?

It's an official extension adding agent-specific trust metadata to OpenAPI security schemes, like minimum trust levels and signed identities via ECDSA.

How do I add x-agent-trust to my API spec?

Define it under components.securitySchemes with x-agent-trust props (algorithm, levels, jwks-uri), then reference in your paths' security array.

Will x-agent-trust work with existing auth like OAuth?

Yes — it extends them, adding agent context without replacement. Layer it on.

Does x-agent-trust prevent AI agent attacks?

It enforces verifiable trust levels and signatures, enabling policies like replay protection and minimum trust — key for compliance and security.

🤖 AI Dev Tools

OpenAPI's x-agent-trust: The Missing Link for AI Agents Hitting Your APIs

Autonomous AI agents are barreling toward your APIs, but current auth standards leave you blind to who's calling and why. OpenAPI's new x-agent-trust extension changes that with a simple, standard way to demand proof of agent identity and trust levels.

DevTools Feed Apr 11, 2026 4 min read

OpenAPI YAML spec snippet showing x-agent-trust security scheme for AI agents

⚡ Key Takeaways

x-agent-trust standardizes agent identity and trust levels in OpenAPI specs, fixing gaps in API keys, OAuth, and mTLS. 𝕏
Layer it atop existing auth for machine-readable policies — crucial as autonomous agents flood APIs. 𝕏
Part of emerging standards stack (OWASP, IETF), mirroring OAuth's role in the app economy. 𝕏

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#AI agents #API security #OpenAPI #x-agent-trust

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