Securing LLMs and Generative AI Implementations

As organizations adopt AI, the attack surface expands. Security must move from model protection to prompt engineering defense and output validation.

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The Expanding AI Attack Surface

Traditional security approaches fall short when protecting generative AI systems. We need a new paradigm.

The Challenge

As organizations rapidly adopt Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI, they're inadvertently creating new attack vectors that traditional security controls cannot adequately address. The unique characteristics of these systems - their probabilistic nature, training data dependencies, and prompt-based interfaces - require specialized security approaches.

Security must evolve from simple model protection to comprehensive defenses spanning prompt engineering, output validation, and continuous monitoring. This requires a systematic approach aligned with frameworks like NIST AI RMF and OWASP Top 10 for LLMs.

OWASP LLM Top 10 Defense Strategies

Addressing the most critical security risks for Large Language Model applications

1

Prompt Injection

Malicious inputs that manipulate LLM behavior, bypassing filters or executing unauthorized actions.

Defense Strategy

Use delimiters and parametrized queries to separate instructions from data. Implement input validation and sanitization.

2

Insecure Output Handling

Vulnerabilities arising from trusting LLM outputs without proper validation.

Defense Strategy

Treat LLM output as untrusted user input; encode before rendering. Implement output validation and sanitization.

3

Training Data Poisoning

Manipulation of training data to introduce vulnerabilities, backdoors, or biases.

Defense Strategy

Validate supply chain of data; use Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for datasets. Implement data provenance tracking.

4

Model Denial of Service

Attacks that consume excessive resources, causing service degradation or increased costs.

Defense Strategy

Cap context window and resource usage per user. Implement rate limiting and resource monitoring.

5

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Risks from compromised components, packages, or pre-trained models.

Defense Strategy

Vet third-party models and libraries. Maintain an AI component inventory and monitor for vulnerabilities.

6

Sensitive Information Disclosure

LLMs may inadvertently reveal confidential data in responses.

Defense Strategy

Sanitize PII from training datasets. Implement data loss prevention and content filtering.

AI Security Implementation Checklist

A practical guide to securing your LLM and generative AI implementations

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Establish an AI Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Define clear guidelines for appropriate AI usage, data handling, and security requirements. Ensure all stakeholders understand their responsibilities.

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Implement 'Human in the Loop' for High-Stakes Decisions

Maintain human oversight for critical decisions, especially in regulated industries or high-impact scenarios.

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Red Team Models for Jailbreak Vulnerability

Regularly test your AI systems against adversarial attacks, prompt injections, and jailbreak attempts to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

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Monitor for Model Drift and Hallucinations

Implement continuous monitoring to detect performance degradation, concept drift, and hallucination patterns in model outputs.

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Sanitize PII from Training Datasets

Implement robust data anonymization and pseudonymization techniques to protect personally identifiable information in training data.

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Align with NIST AI RMF Framework

Structure your AI security program around the four core functions: Govern, Map, Measure, and Manage.

AI Security Governance Framework

A systematic approach to managing AI risks throughout the lifecycle

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Govern

Establish policies, procedures, and accountability structures for AI security. Define roles, responsibilities, and risk tolerance.

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Map

Identify and document AI systems, data flows, and potential vulnerabilities. Create an inventory of AI assets and their risk profiles.

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Measure

Implement metrics and monitoring to assess AI system performance, security posture, and compliance with policies.

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Manage

Continuously address identified risks, implement controls, and respond to incidents. Adapt to evolving threats and requirements.