IronClaw
IronClaw is a secure, open-source AI assistant platform built in Rust that enables personal AI agents with encrypted credential management and sandboxed tools while protecting user privacy and security.
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Product Information
Updated:Feb 28, 2026
What is IronClaw
IronClaw is a security-focused reimplementation of OpenClaw developed by NEAR AI, the AI research arm of the NEAR Protocol ecosystem. Released in 2023, it provides a secure alternative for deploying personal AI assistants that can perform tasks while keeping sensitive data and credentials protected. The platform is built entirely in Rust and runs on NEAR AI Cloud, offering both cloud-based and local deployment options. Unlike conventional AI assistants, IronClaw emphasizes user privacy and security through its encrypted architecture.
Key Features of IronClaw
IronClaw is a security-focused AI assistant built in Rust, offering a secure alternative to OpenClaw. It features local data storage with encryption, runs tools in isolated WebAssembly sandboxes, and provides credential protection through an encrypted vault. The system operates either on NEAR AI Cloud in Trusted Execution Environments or locally, supporting multiple interaction channels including REPL, HTTP webhooks, and web gateway interfaces.
Encrypted Credential Vault: Stores API keys, tokens, and passwords in an encrypted vault, injecting them only into pre-approved endpoints while keeping them invisible to the AI
Sandboxed Tool Execution: Runs each tool in isolated WebAssembly containers with strict capability-based permissions and resource limits
Local-First Architecture: Stores all data in a PostgreSQL database locally with encryption, ensuring no telemetry or data harvesting
Multi-Channel Support: Provides multiple interaction methods including REPL, HTTP webhooks, Telegram, Slack, and real-time web gateway
Use Cases of IronClaw
Enterprise Security Automation: Organizations can automate workflows and handle sensitive data with enhanced security measures and credential protection
Personal Data Management: Individuals can manage personal information and automate tasks while maintaining privacy and control over their data
Development and Testing: Developers can build and test AI-powered tools in a secure environment with proper isolation and access controls
Pros
Strong security features with encrypted storage and sandboxed execution
Built with Rust for enhanced memory safety and performance
Flexible deployment options (cloud or local) with multiple interaction channels
Cons
Requires PostgreSQL database setup for local deployment
More complex setup compared to simpler AI assistants
How to Use IronClaw
Install IronClaw: Download and run the installer using either Windows Installer or run the curl command for Linux/Mac: curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -LsSf https://github.com/nearai/ironclaw/releases/latest/download/ironclaw-installer.sh | sh
Deploy IronClaw Instance: Choose between deploying on NEAR AI Cloud (recommended for security) or running locally. For NEAR AI Cloud, use the one-click deploy option from their dashboard.
Configure Credentials: Add your API keys, tokens, and passwords to IronClaw's encrypted vault. These will be securely stored and only injected into approved endpoints.
Set Up Channels: Configure communication channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, etc. from the dashboard by pasting bot tokens, scanning QR codes, or authorizing via OAuth.
Configure LLM Backend: Set your preferred LLM backend using LLM_BACKEND environment variable. Options include nearai (default), openai, anthropic, ollama, openai_compatible, and tinfoil.
Set Up Database: Configure database backend using DATABASE_BACKEND environment variable. Choose between postgres (default) or libsql/turso and set appropriate connection details.
Install Tools: Add functionality by installing tools using 'ironclaw tool install'. Tools can be WASM-based (sandboxed) or MCP servers.
Start Using Agent: Begin interacting with your agent through configured channels. The agent will run in secure environment with all credentials and data protected by encryption.
Monitor Activity: Use the dashboard to monitor token usage, channel status, and activity feed. Review any security alerts or blocked attempts at credential leakage.
IronClaw FAQs
IronClaw is a secure, open-source Rust-based personal AI assistant built by NEAR AI. It's an alternative to OpenClaw that focuses on privacy, security, and self-expanding capabilities, running in encrypted enclaves on NEAR AI Cloud.
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