Product Introduction
Stytch Connected Apps is an authentication infrastructure solution designed to enable secure authorization for AI agents and third-party application integrations without requiring architectural changes to existing identity systems. It provides full-stack management of OAuth 2.0/OpenID Connect (OIDC) flows, token lifecycle operations, user consent workflows, and organization-wide access policies. The product simplifies compliance with identity standards while allowing applications to act as identity providers for cross-app integrations, AI agent workflows, and secure data-sharing.
The core value lies in eliminating the need for costly identity stack rebuilds while meeting modern authentication demands for AI agents and partner ecosystems. By abstracting complex OIDC/OAuth 2.1 compliance and token security mechanisms, it accelerates integration development timelines from weeks to days. Organizations retain granular control over permissions through role-based access controls (RBAC) and real-time monitoring without sacrificing developer productivity or system flexibility.
Main Features
End-to-end OAuth 2.0 and OIDC implementation with automated compliance management, handling token issuance, validation, and revocation through centralized controls. The system supports dynamic client registration (DCR) for third-party app integrations while maintaining secure keypair management for existing JWTs or custom signatures. Developers configure authentication flows via prebuilt SDKs or headless components that integrate with existing CIAM systems.
Enterprise-grade security controls including org-wide allowlists for third-party apps, instant access revocation via dashboard/API, and audit-ready activity logs. Granular RBAC permissions ensure connected apps inherit only the access levels of authenticating users, preventing privilege escalation. Human-in-the-loop workflows enforce manual approval for high-risk actions like data deletion or temporary access elevation through device authorization codes.
Remote Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration for AI agent authorization, translating REST APIs into MCP-compliant endpoints with OAuth 2.1 security. The system supports edge deployments in environments like Cloudflare Workers while providing real-time visibility into connected apps, token scopes, and user permissions. Flexible consent screens present permissions in logical groupings instead of raw technical scopes, improving user understanding and compliance.
Problems Solved
Addresses the complexity of building and maintaining OAuth/OIDC-compliant authentication systems from scratch, reducing development time for cross-app integrations by 90%. Eliminates security risks from improper token management and over-permissioned third-party access through scoped RBAC and implied permissions architecture. Removes the need to choose between legacy identity systems and modern integration requirements like AI agent workflows.
Targets engineering teams building B2B SaaS platforms, AI ecosystems, or app marketplaces requiring secure third-party integrations. Serves regulated industries needing audit trails, instant access revocation, and SOC 2/GDPR compliance for connected apps. Ideal for product-led growth companies implementing "Sign in with X" flows or exposing APIs to external developers and partners.
Enables secure AI agent operations through MCP-compliant authorization without credential exposure. Facilitates partner data sharing via standardized OAuth flows instead of custom authentication implementations. Supports cross-device authentication for IoT ecosystems and multi-brand organizations through centralized token management with real-time monitoring.
Unique Advantages
Unlike traditional CIAM solutions, operates alongside existing identity providers without migration, using current JWTs or signing keys. Combines developer-friendly SDKs with enterprise security features like DCR and OAuth 2.1 compliance out of the box. Provides MCP server authorization specifically designed for AI agent workflows and remote model interactions.
Introduces human-in-the-loop authorization requiring manual approval for critical operations via device codes. Automatically structures RBAC permissions into user-friendly consent groupings, reducing confusion. Implements implied permissions where third-party apps cannot exceed the access level of the authenticating user, preventing security loopholes.
Offers complete lifecycle management through a unified dashboard with real-time visibility into tokens, scopes, and app connections. Supports hybrid deployments in edge environments without compatibility issues. Delivers enterprise security with 90% faster integration timelines compared to building internal OAuth/OIDC infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Stytch Connected Apps integrate with existing authentication systems? It works alongside current CIAM providers by accepting existing JWTs or enabling secure keypair generation without migration. Developers layer Connected Apps' OAuth/OIDC management on top of their stack through API-first integration, supporting hybrid deployments where legacy systems handle core authentication while Connected Apps manages new integrations.
What security measures prevent over-permissioning of third-party apps? All connected apps inherit only the permissions explicitly granted to the authenticating user through implied permissions architecture. Granular RBAC scopes are structured in logical groups for clear user consent, while org admins define allowlists to restrict app connections and automatically revoke suspicious tokens via API.
Can this support AI agents accessing APIs through MCP standards? Yes, it provides built-in MCP Authorization with OAuth 2.1 compliance, translating REST APIs into MCP endpoints with automatic token validation. Dynamic Client Registration enables secure AI tool onboarding while maintaining audit trails of all agent activities through timestamps and IP logging.
How are user consent flows customized? The SDK groups technical permissions into business-friendly categories like "Read Basic Profile" instead of raw scopes. UI components can be embedded as prebuilt modals or implemented headlessly for design control. Consent screens adapt dynamically to show only permissions relevant to the user's access level.
What compliance standards does the product meet? Connected Apps is OAuth 2.1 and OIDC certified with built-in support for GDPR, CCPA, and SOC 2 requirements. All token transactions generate audit logs with metadata for compliance reporting, while bulk revocation capabilities enable instant fulfillment of data subject requests.
