Securing AI-Powered Interfaces
AI API Security
Overview
AI APIs introduce unique security challenges beyond traditional API security. When applications integrate with Large Language Models, they must defend against prompt injection, manage sensitive data in prompts and responses, and handle the non-deterministic nature of AI outputs.
Key Risk Areas
| Risk | Impact | OWASP Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt Injection | Attacker manipulates AI behavior via crafted input | LLM01 |
| Sensitive Data Disclosure | AI reveals training data or context window contents | LLM02 |
| Excessive Agency | AI takes unauthorized actions via tool use | LLM08 |
| Unbounded Consumption | Resource exhaustion through AI API abuse | LLM10 |
| Supply Chain | Compromised plugins, models, or data sources | LLM03 |
Security Controls
Authentication & Authorization
- API key rotation policies
- Scoped tokens with minimal permissions
- Per-user rate limiting and quota enforcement
Input Validation
- Prompt injection detection layers
- Input sanitization before AI processing
- Content length and complexity limits
Output Handling
- Response filtering for sensitive data patterns
- Output validation before downstream consumption
- Structured output enforcement (JSON schemas)
Monitoring & Observability
- Token usage tracking and anomaly detection
- Prompt/response logging (with PII redaction)
- Cost monitoring and alerting thresholds
Guides
Detailed guides are under development.
| Guide | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| API Gateway Configuration for AI | Planned | Rate limiting, auth, and filtering patterns |
| Prompt Injection Defense Patterns | Planned | Multi-layer defense strategies |
| AI API Threat Model | Planned | STRIDE-based threat model for AI integrations |
| Secure AI SDK Usage | Planned | Best practices for Anthropic, OpenAI, and other SDKs |
Regulatory Considerations
- GDPR Article 22: Automated decision-making requirements
- EU AI Act: Transparency obligations for AI system providers
- Data residency: Ensuring AI API calls respect data sovereignty requirements