OpenClaw
OpenClaw is a powerful open-source AI agent framework that lets you deploy autonomous assistants across messaging channels. Out of the box, it prioritizes ease of use over security.
What is openclaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source framework for building and running AI agents. It connects large language models to real-world tools, messaging channels (Slack, Telegram, WhatsApp, email, Discord), and browser-based chat interfaces. Developers use OpenClaw to create AI assistants that can perform tasks autonomously: answering questions, scheduling meetings, drafting emails, running code, and browsing the web.
The framework is designed to be easy to get started with. A basic installation takes about 30 minutes, and the default configuration prioritizes convenience. The gateway binds to all network interfaces, authentication can be disabled, and skills can be installed from a public marketplace with minimal vetting.
This ease of use comes with a tradeoff. Security researchers have found tens of thousands of OpenClaw instances publicly accessible on the internet, many running with no authentication. Major security firms have flagged the default configuration as a significant risk. The framework itself is capable and well-designed, but it requires deliberate hardening before it should be trusted with real credentials or sensitive data.
Why it matters
OpenClaw is rapidly becoming the standard framework for AI agents. Its plugin architecture, multi-channel support, and active community make it the most practical choice for deploying autonomous AI assistants. But the gap between "running" and "secure" is substantial. Default configurations expose the gateway port to the public internet, store credentials in plaintext, and allow unrestricted tool execution. For businesses that want the power of OpenClaw without the security risk, the framework needs to be deployed on hardened infrastructure with proper networking, credential management, and sandbox isolation.
How ClawTrust handles this
ClawTrust deploys OpenClaw on dedicated, isolated infrastructure with comprehensive security hardening applied automatically. Every ClawTrust agent runs a fully configured OpenClaw instance with zero exposed ports, encrypted credential storage, sandboxed tool execution, and automated health monitoring. The gateway is locked down so it cannot be reached from the public internet. Skills are curated and audited rather than pulled from the open marketplace. You get all the power of OpenClaw with none of the security configuration burden.
Related terms
Zero Trust Hosting
Zero trust hosting is a security model where every server has zero open inbound ports, uses outbound-only encrypted networking, and requires verification for every connection.
OpenClaw Skills
OpenClaw skills are pre-built automation modules that give your AI agent specific capabilities, like managing email, scheduling meetings, handling GitHub tasks, or making voice calls.
Container Isolation
Container isolation uses Docker to run AI agent processes in sandboxed environments with strict resource limits, read-only filesystems, and restricted system access. If something goes wrong inside the container, it cannot affect the host system.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenClaw safe to use?
OpenClaw is safe when properly configured and hardened. The framework itself is well-built. The risk comes from running it with default settings, which expose the gateway to the internet and allow unrestricted access. ClawTrust handles all security hardening automatically.
What can an OpenClaw agent do?
An OpenClaw agent can chat on messaging platforms (Slack, Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, email), browse the web, execute code, manage files, use third-party APIs, and perform multi-step tasks autonomously. Its capabilities depend on the skills installed and the tools enabled.
How is ClawTrust different from self-hosting OpenClaw?
Self-hosting requires 4-20 hours of security hardening that most teams skip. ClawTrust provisions a fully hardened OpenClaw instance in under 5 minutes with zero exposed ports, encrypted credential storage, Docker sandbox isolation, and automated monitoring included on every plan.
Do I need to know how OpenClaw works to use ClawTrust?
No. ClawTrust handles all the technical setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance. You interact with your agent through the dashboard and your preferred messaging channels. No command line or server management required.
Can I migrate an existing OpenClaw setup to ClawTrust?
Yes. You can export your agent's configuration, skills, and workspace data from your existing setup and import them through the ClawTrust dashboard. Your agent keeps the same personality and capabilities with enterprise security added automatically.
Explore further
See it in action
ClawTrust implements openclaw automatically. Your agent is live in under 5 minutes.