Secure email for OpenClaw users
OpenClaw (formerly Moltbot/Clawdbot) is the AI that actually does things — 100k+ GitHub stars and growing. But full system access means full risk. Here's how to get AI email automation without exposing your credentials.
The situation
OpenClaw is impressive. Full system access is risky.
OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs locally with full system access — mouse, keyboard, browser, file operations, and 50+ integrations including email. 100k+ GitHub stars and 2M+ visitors. They say "your data stays on your device" but the attack surface is massive.
Security considerations
- Full system access: mouse, keyboard, browser, shell commands
- Security researchers previously flagged credential handling issues
- Massive attack surface with 50+ integrations
- "Privacy-first" still means AI has access to everything on your machine
This doesn't mean OpenClaw is bad — it's ambitious software that's clearly resonating (100k+ stars!). But for something as sensitive as email, you might want a more focused approach.
Security comparison
Different approaches to AI + email
OpenClaw takes a "do everything" approach. Pontius takes a "do email securely" approach.
| Security aspect | OpenClaw | Pontius |
|---|---|---|
| System access | Full (mouse, keyboard, browser, shell) | Email only (IMAP/SMTP) |
| Credential storage | On your machine (AI can access) | OS keychain (battle-tested) |
| AI sees passwords | Has access to everything | Never |
| Attack surface | Massive (50+ integrations) | Minimal (email protocols only) |
| Data location | Local (but AI has full access) | Direct to email provider |
| Philosophy | "AI that actually does things" | "AI that handles email securely" |
The security difference
Security risk
OpenClaw approach
Full system access. Controls mouse, keyboard, browser, shell. "Eyes and hands at a desk."
Pontius approach
Minimal permissions. Only IMAP/SMTP access. Credentials in OS keychain, never exposed to AI.
Credential exposure
OpenClaw approach
"Privacy-first" but AI has full access to your machine and can execute shell commands.
Pontius approach
Passwords stored in macOS Keychain / Windows Credential Manager. AI never sees credentials.
Data handling
OpenClaw approach
Data stays local but AI has unrestricted access to read/write files and execute code.
Pontius approach
Direct IMAP/SMTP to your email provider. No intermediary. Standard protocols.
Scope creep
OpenClaw approach
Does everything — 50+ integrations, browser automation, file operations. Huge attack surface.
Pontius approach
Does one thing well — email. Minimal attack surface. Purpose-built security.
The smart approach
Use OpenClaw AND Pontius
You don't have to choose. Use OpenClaw for the things it's good at — just don't give it your email credentials. Let Pontius handle email securely.
How it works
Security by design
Pontius was built with a simple principle: your AI should never see your passwords.
We built this for our own inboxes. Your email is too sensitive for anything less.
In action
AI email without the risk
Your credentials stay in your OS keychain. AI sees commands and output, never passwords.
# Pontius handles email securely
$ pontius list
UID FROM SUBJECT
37801 [email protected] Urgent: Can't access account
37800 [email protected] Follow-up on our call
37799 [email protected] Weekly digest
# Your credentials stay in your OS keychain
# AI sees commands and output, never passwords
$ pontius reply 37801 "Hi! I've reset your access..."
Sent.
# Meanwhile, OpenClaw can handle other automations
# But your email credentials stay safe with PontiusKeep your email credentials safe
Use OpenClaw for everything else. Use Pontius for email.
$99 once. Credentials in your OS keychain. AI never sees passwords.