Glossary Terms: A

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI/MCP Concepts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human cognition, such as reasoning, learning, perception, and decision-making. In enterprise contexts, AI spans from predictive analytics and language models to fully autonomous agents capable of executing multi-step workflows across software environments.

AI Agent

AI/MCP Concepts

An AI agent is an autonomous or semi-autonomous software entity that can perceive inputs, reason over context, and take actions toward a goal without direct human control. Unlike traditional rule-based automation, AI agents can dynamically plan, execute, and adapt across digital environments using large language models (LLMs), APIs, and integrated tools.

Agentic Workflow

AI/MCP Concepts

An agentic workflow is an automated, goal-driven process executed by AI agents that can independently plan, make decisions, and act across multiple systems to complete complex tasks. Unlike traditional automation scripts, agentic workflows operate with adaptive reasoning, deciding how to achieve outcomes based on context and available tools.

Agent Authentication

Security concepts

Agent authentication is the process of verifying the identity of an AI agent, service, or automated workload before it’s allowed to access tools, data, or APIs. It ensures that autonomous systems act within defined boundaries and that each action is tied to a verifiable, trusted entity.

API Key

Identity types

An API key is a unique string of characters used to authenticate and identify an application or user when interacting with an API. It acts as a simple form of credential that verifies who or what is making a request, without requiring a full authentication protocol.

Active Directory

Security concepts

Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft’s directory service that manages and authenticates users, computers, and resources within a networked environment. It provides centralized control over identities, permissions, and access policies across Windows-based systems.

Authorization

IAM concepts

The process of determining whether a user, machine, or application has permission to access a resource or perform a specific action. Authorization mechanisms enforce access control policies based on predefined rules or roles.

Authentication

IAM concepts

The process of verifying the identity of a user, machine, or application attempting to access a system or resource. Authentication mechanisms may include passwords, biometrics, cryptographic keys, or other factors.

Attribute Assertion

IAM concepts

Information about a user’s identity or attributes provided by an identity provider to a service provider during the authentication process. Attribute assertions include details such as user ID, email address, roles, or group memberships, which are used to make access control decisions.

Attestation

IAM concepts

The process of formally verifying or confirming the accuracy, authenticity, or compliance of a statement, document, or assertion. In the context of identity and access management (IAM) or cybersecurity, attestation typically involves validating the integrity and validity of various elements such as user identities, access permissions, configurations, or system states.