OpenClaw AI Security Risks You Need to Know
2026-02-03
OpenClaw is often praised as a flexible and powerful open-source AI assistant solution. It can run on standalone devices, connect via Telegram, Signal, or Discord, and can even read files, execute shell commands, and even build applications.
However, behind all these advantages, there is one important topic that is often overlooked in discussion, which is security. This article will discuss what OpenClaw AI is, why its security is crucial, and how to manage its security risks!
Key Takeaways
- OpenClaw is very powerful, but it also poses serious security risks if run without protection.
- Prompt injection and data leaks to AI providers are real threats, not theoretical.
- OpenClaw security can be enhanced with encryption, network controls, and system access restrictions.
What is OpenClaw AI?
Image Source: CNET
OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs on your own devices, such as a PC, home server, or even a Raspberry Pi.
Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, which are web-based, OpenClaw lives directly on your system and connects via your favorite chat app.
OpenClaw's advantages include:
- Can read and write local files.
- Run shell commands.
- Saves cross-conversation memory.
- Manage calendars, reminders, and projects.
- Automate daily workflow.
In short, OpenClaw is not just a chatbot, but a digital assistant that is fully integrated with your system.
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OpenClaw AI Security
Despite its usefulness, there are issues that sometimes go unnoticed. The more useful OpenClaw is, the more dangerous it can be if used carelessly.
OpenClaw stores a lot of sensitive stuff:
- Complete chat history.
- File “MEMORY.md” contains habits, preferences, and personal facts.
- API key and credentials.
- Access to system files and shells.
If even one part is leaked, the impact could be much greater than a normal social media account leak.
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OpenClaw AI Security Risks
BHere are some risks in securityOpenClaw AI:
AI Provider Can See Everything
Even though OpenClaw runs locally, most users still useCloud-based AI modelsThis means that every message, file, or summary is still sent to a third-party server.
The problem:
- You cannot verify whether the data is really not saved.
- “no training data” ≠ “no processing or logging” policy.
- All private activities can be exposed to external infrastructure.
So, OpenClaw is often not a fully local AI, but rather a local interface for AI clouds.
Prompt Injection Is Still Very Dangerous
Prompt injection is one of the biggest threats to OpenClaw security. Recent security studies show:
- 91% of prompt injection attacks were successful
- 83% successful sensitive information extraction
Prompt injection can be inserted via documents, emails, HTML comments, code comments.
Prompt Injection Attack Example
- Hidden instructions in the document for the AI to execute additional commands.
- False memory manipulation (“we agreed before…”).
- Hidden commands to execute malicious scripts.
If OpenClaw has shell access, the risk could be fatal.
MEMORY.md = Complete Psychological Profile
File MEMORY.mdnot just ordinary notes, but containing writing style, work habits, interests and anxieties, and personal information across time.
If this file is leaked, the attacker gets a complete psychological profile which usually takes a long time to collect manually.
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How to Improve OpenClaw AI Security
BHere's how to improve securityOpenClaw AI:
1. Restrict Network Access
Never expose OpenClaw directly to the public internet. Ideally:
- Use a private network like Tailscale.
- Close all unnecessary ports.
- Avoid direct access without strong authentication.
2. Use End-to-End Encryption
The conversation with OpenClaw should:
- Using E2E encryption (e.g. via Matrix).
- Not via public channels.
- Not stored in plaintext if possible.
3. Strengthen Prompt Injection Protection
Steps that can be taken:
- Use prompt injection hardening.
- Limit the types of input the AI processes.
- Do not grant full shell access without sandboxing.
4. Limit Blast Radius
An important principle in OpenClaw security is assumptions will fail.
The method:
- Run OpenClaw on a separate device.
- Restrict file and folder permissions.
- Disable tools that are not really needed.
5. Audit and Get Used to Skepticism
- Check the log regularly.
- Read code and configuration.
- Don't trust AI output 100%.
However, mDespite the real risks, OpenClaw remains superior because it can work directly in the workflow, not just chat, but real execution, and is more flexible than web-based AI.The key is not to avoid OpenClaw, but use it consciously and in a controlled manner.
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Conclusion
OpenClaw is a very powerful AI assistant, but that power comes with significant risks, such as data leaks, prompt injection, and system compromise.
The solution is not to stop using OpenClaw, but to implement intelligent risk management, such as limiting access, encrypting data, choosing providers carefully, and always assuming that the system can be attacked.
So, local AI does not automatically mean safe and the security of OpenClaw AI is in the hands of its users.
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FAQ
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs on its own device and connects via a chat app.
Is OpenClaw really safe?
It's safe if configured correctly. Without protection, the risks are enormous.
What are OpenClaw's biggest risks?
Prompt injection, data leak to AI provider, and memory file theft.
Does OpenClaw store user data?
Yes, including chat, personal memory, and sensitive configurations.
How to minimize the risks of OpenClaw?
Use encryption, restrict network access, protect against prompt injection, and run in an isolated environment.
Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.
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