Amp runs tools without asking by default, so start its security review with a plugin that gates tool calls. Then check where code and threads go and what orbs retain, confirm the allowed models and MCP servers, and list the identity, audit, and retention controls that need Enterprise.
When you need this
- Security asks what the agent can run before approving Amp.
- Engineers want to run agents on orbs with access to cloud resources.
- Your organization approves AI models by provider and data retention.
- Procurement needs to know what an independent company spun out of Sourcegraph commits to.
Evaluation criteria
Gate tool calls
What can the agent run without asking?
Look forAmp runs tools without asking for approval. A plugin's tool.call handler can allow, reject, or modify each call. Workspace admins can distribute it globally. amp.mcpPermissions filters MCP servers by pattern, and Enterprise admins can enforce an approved registry.
Where code and threads go
Which code leaves the developer's machine, and who can read it?
Look forAmp says its client and server do not index the entire codebase. Files used as context go to model providers and stay with the thread on Google Cloud in the US. Orbs clone the repository into an encrypted e2b sandbox until the thread is deleted. Workspace threads are shared by default, and admins can see private threads.
Retention and training
How long do providers keep prompts, and can they train on them?
Look forMinimal Data Retention applies to Amp-managed provider connections, with abuse-monitoring and model exceptions. Amp and its providers do not train on customer data unless you opt in. Enterprise workspaces cannot enable training. Your keys and linked subscriptions follow the provider account's terms.
Models and routing
Which models may process your code?
Look forEnterprise admins can disable models, grant models to directory groups, and forbid personal model provider keys. Amp locks models that a built-in mode uses until admins pin another model for that role. Inference runs on Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and other US-based providers listed in the security reference.
Identity and audit
Who can sign in, and what is recorded?
Look forMatch identity controls to the required plan. SAML or OIDC SSO needs at least one Megawatt or Gigawatt workspace member, or Enterprise. Enterprise adds SCIM directory sync, admin roles, passkey enforcement, and authentication audit logs. IP allowlisting is available on request for an extra charge, and Enterprise customers can request application audit logs. Amp is SOC 2 Type II and offers no self-hosted deployment.
Secrets and cloud access from orbs
How does an orb reach your cloud without a standing key?
Look forOrbs mint short-lived OIDC tokens scoped to the workspace, project, user, and thread. A cloud provider can grant temporary access. Amp hides secret values in orb output and records who created or changed each secret. Prefer OIDC to stored tokens and grant production access per thread.
Questions to ask vendors
- Who owns the workspace plugin that gates tool calls, and how is it tested?
- Which projects may run on orbs, and which must stay on runners inside our network?
- Are linked personal ChatGPT or Claude subscriptions allowed for company code?
- Which Enterprise controls, such as SCIM, audit logs, and entitlements, do we need on day one?
Red flags
- No tool-call plugin, so agents run any command on machines with production credentials.
- Long-lived cloud keys stored as orb secrets where OIDC would work.
- Threads shared outside the workspace without a policy.
- Default Ship behavior pushing straight to a protected branch.
Products in this piece
Sources
- Official documentation
- 12
- Public source
- 3
- Amp docs: Tools
- Amp docs: Plugins
- Amp docs: CLI configuration
- Amp docs: MCP registry allowlist
- Amp security reference
- Amp docs: Minimal data retention
- Amp docs: Allowed models
- Amp docs: Workspace thread visibility controls
- Amp docs: Workspaces
- Amp docs: Handling secrets
- Amp docs: Shipping changes
- Amp docs: Pricing
- Mostly Technical, episode 147: It's Orbin' Time (Sep 1, 2026)
- Isaac Flath: Amp Code Deep Dive and Talk (Jul 30, 2025)
- Bojan Tomic: Should You Use Ampcode for Production Code? One Month In (Feb 7, 2026)