mcp-handler

Least-privilege permissions

• Restrict who can access the connector: Only allow specific applications and users who absolutely need the AI agent to connect through this adapter. Treat it like a locked door—fewer keys means fewer security risks.
• Limit what tools the connector can use: Configure the adapter to access only the specific AI tools and resources required for your business purpose, not everything available.
• Use separate credentials for each environment: Keep development, testing, and production systems using different login credentials (API keys) so a breach in one area doesn't compromise all systems.
• Rotate API keys regularly: Change authentication passwords/tokens every 90 days, similar to changing locks to prevent unauthorized access over time.

Network isolation

• Use HTTPS only, never HTTP: Ensure all communication is encrypted end-to-end. HTTP transmits data in plain text where attackers can read it; HTTPS scrambles it so only authorized parties can read it.
• Restrict network access to trusted locations: Configure firewalls to allow the connector to communicate only with known, approved internal systems or IP addresses—block everything else.
• Avoid exposing the adapter to the public internet: Keep the connector inside your organization's private network behind security firewalls; never make it directly accessible from the outside internet.
• Use VPNs or private networks for remote connections: If remote access is necessary, require staff to connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that encrypts and authenticates the connection.

Monitoring

• Log all connection attempts and tool requests: Keep detailed records of who accesses the connector and what they ask it to do, like security camera footage for your digital systems.
• Alert on unusual activity patterns: Set up automatic warnings if someone tries to access the connector at odd times, from unexpected locations, or requests tools they normally don't use.
• Review logs weekly for suspicious behavior: Assign someone to regularly check activity logs for anything out of the ordinary—unauthorized access attempts, repeated errors, or unexpected tool usage.
• Track changes to connector configuration: Monitor and document whenever settings are modified, including who made the change and when, so you can trace any security incidents back to their source.

Red flags to watch for

• Secrets appearing in logs or error messages: If passwords, API keys, or authentication tokens show up in system records or error outputs, hackers could find them—this should trigger an immediate security review.
• Requests with suspicious input patterns: Watch for unusual requests with excessive data, repeated characters, or requests designed to trick the system (called "prompt injection")—these often indicate malicious activity.
• Unauthorized tool execution or data access: If the connector suddenly starts using tools it shouldn't have permission to use or accesses sensitive data unexpectedly, investigate immediately for compromise or misconfiguration.
• Unknown dependencies or software versions: If you notice new software libraries (code components) installed that you didn't approve, or versions that don't match your records, this could indicate a compromised supply chain or dependency vulnerability.