This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-os/set-agent-name.md
What set_agent_name does on CoWork OS
AI agents use set_agent_name to create or update resources in CoWork OS, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your CoWork OS environment.
Why set_agent_name is rated Medium
This tool creates or modifies configuration data (the assistant/agent identity) reversibly. It does not retrieve data (Read), execute arbitrary code (Execute), permanently delete anything (Destructive), or involve financial transactions (Financial).
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Set or change the assistant' — a modification operation that alters system configuration state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs set_agent_name safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and CoWork OS, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For set_agent_name, this is the rule to start with:
set_agent_name stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CoWork OS, apply this rule, and every set_agent_name call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about set_agent_name
Set or change the assistant. It is categorised as a Write tool in the CoWork OS MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the CoWork OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_agent_name: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches CoWork OS. Nothing to install.
set_agent_name is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_agent_name rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for set_agent_name. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
set_agent_name is provided by the CoWork OS MCP server (CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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