Reference engagement
AI Attack Surface & Threat Modeling
Identify weak points in AI-enabled systems and design defenses that hold up in production.
// Delivery pattern
This page describes a representative engagement of this shape — how the system is scoped, built, and handed over. Specific figures reflect typical outcomes of the pattern when delivered with the operational discipline described on the About page. Named customer engagements are shared under NDA on request.
Engagement shape
Typical outcomes
- ✓ Reduced exposure
- ✓ Clear security controls
- ✓ Audit-ready documentation
Stack
- — Threat modeling
- — Access control
- — Logging & redaction
- — Policy enforcement
Typical timeline
2–3 weeks
kick-off to handover
Risks & guardrails
- Security by prompt is not security — enforce controls in code and policy layers
- Scope creep in threat model — timebox to critical flows first, then extend
Problem
AI systems expand your attack surface: new inputs, new tool calls, new data paths, new failure modes. Many teams ship fast but lack a structured security model, leading to leakage risk, unauthorized actions, and brittle controls.
Solution
We run a practical AI threat-modeling process:
- Map trust boundaries, tool permissions, and data flows
- Identify abuse paths (prompt injection, data exfiltration, privilege escalation)
- Define concrete controls (allowlists, least privilege, validation, monitoring)
- Produce an audit-ready security plan with prioritized fixes
What we implement
- Threat model and security requirements for critical flows
- Tool authorization layer (who can do what, under which conditions)
- Data boundary controls (redaction, minimization, retention)
- Logging that supports incident response without leaking sensitive data
Measurement (typical)
- Coverage of critical flows with explicit controls
- Reduced risky tool calls via allowlists and gating
- Clear incident playbooks and measurable alert signals
Risks & guardrails
- Avoid “security by prompt”: enforce controls in code and policy layers
- Assume hostile inputs: validate and sanitize consistently
- Keep logs safe: redact PII/secrets and restrict access
CTA
If you want a clear picture of your current risk and a prioritized hardening plan, request an AI Security Audit.
Related patterns
Scope a similar engagement
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