AI Security Best Practices
Using an AI assistant introduces new security considerations. This guide covers the essential practices to keep your data and credentials safe.
Security Is a Shared Responsibility
RunTheAgents provides encrypted API key storage, isolated instances, and managed infrastructure. But security is not just about the platform. How you use your AI assistant, what data you share with it, and how you manage your credentials all matter.
This guide covers practical security measures that every AI assistant user should follow. These are not theoretical concerns; they are actionable steps that significantly reduce your risk profile. Think of it like locking your car: the manufacturer provides locks, but you need to use them.
Essential Security Steps
Actions every user should take
Use Dedicated API Keys
Create a separate API key specifically for your AI assistant. Do not reuse keys from other applications. If your assistant's key is ever compromised, your other services remain unaffected. Both Anthropic and OpenAI allow multiple API keys per account.
Set Spending Limits
Configure monthly spending limits on your API key through your AI provider's dashboard. This caps your maximum exposure if a key is misused or a runaway task consumes excessive credits. Set the limit to 1.5x-2x your expected monthly usage.
Be Thoughtful About Shared Data
Your AI assistant processes whatever you share with it. Avoid sharing highly sensitive information (Social Security numbers, banking credentials, medical records) unless you have thoroughly evaluated the security implications and your compliance requirements.
Review Your AI Provider's Data Policies
Understand how Anthropic or OpenAI handles the data sent through their API. Review their data retention, training data usage, and privacy policies. This is especially important for professional use with client data.
Rotate API Keys Periodically
Generate a new API key every 3-6 months. Update it in your RunTheAgents dashboard, verify it works, then revoke the old key through your AI provider. Regular rotation limits the window of opportunity if a key is compromised.
Security Features Built Into RunTheAgents
Encrypted API Key Storage
Your API keys are encrypted at rest using industry-standard encryption. They are never stored in plain text and are only decrypted when your instance makes an API call.
Instance Isolation
Your instance runs in a completely isolated environment. No shared databases, no shared processes, no possibility of data leakage between users.
Secure Communication
All communication between your instance and the RunTheAgents platform uses encrypted channels. Messaging platform connections use each platform's standard security protocols.
Clean Data Deletion
When you delete your instance, all associated data is permanently removed. There are no residual traces in shared systems or backup pools accessible to other users.
Security Scenarios to Consider
Client Data Handling
If your AI assistant communicates with clients, consider what client data it has access to. Configure it to handle general inquiries without accessing sensitive records. For regulated industries (healthcare, finance, legal), consult your compliance team before processing client data through AI.
Credential Management
If your assistant needs to log into a website for browser automation, use credentials that have limited access rather than admin accounts. Create dedicated accounts with minimum necessary permissions for your AI assistant.
Content Review
For high-stakes communications (client proposals, legal correspondence, financial reports), always review AI-generated content before sending. AI assistants can produce incorrect or inappropriate content, and a human review step is essential for important communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
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