Due to the generative nature of large language models (LLMs) like Claude, there is a risk that LLMs may reveal parts of the input prompt in its generated output. This is known as a "prompt leak" and can be a concern when dealing with sensitive information or when the prompt contains details that should not be disclosed.

While prompt leaking cannot be mitigated in a surefire way, let's explore strategies to minimize the risk of prompt leaks and help you maintain the confidentiality of your input prompts.

Separating context from queries

One effective way to reduce the likelihood of prompt leaks is to separate the context or instructions from the actual query, such as by using XML tags or separating out instructions into a system prompt. By providing the context or instructions separately, you can reduce the risk of the model confusing what the user knows and doesn't know.

Here's an example of how to structure your prompts using this approach:

In this example, the context or instructions are enclosed in <instructions> XML tags, and the model is explicitly instructed not to mention anything inside these tags or the tags themselves. If asked about the instructions or prompt, the model is directed to provide an alternative response.

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Note

While this approach can increase leak resistance, it does not guarantee success against all methods. There is no surefire way to make any prompt completely leak-proof.

Balancing leak resistance and performance

It's important to note that attempts to leak-proof your prompt can add complexity that may degrade performance in other parts of the task due to increasing the complexity of the LLM's overall task. Therefore, we recommend using leak-resistant strategies only when absolutely necessary.

If you decide to implement leak-resistant techniques, be sure to test your prompts thoroughly to ensure that the added complexity does not negatively impact the model's performance or the quality of its outputs.

Additional strategies to reduce prompt leaks

Here are some additional techniques you can consider to minimize the risk of prompt leaks:

• Apply post-processing to the model's output: Implement post-processing techniques to filter or remove any potential leaks from the model's generated text. This can include using regular expressions, keyword filtering, or other text processing methods.

• Prompt the model to focus on the task at hand: Encourage the model to focus on the specific task or question being asked, rather than discussing the prompt itself. This can be achieved by using clear, concise prompts that emphasize the desired output.

• Monitor and review the model's outputs: Regularly monitor and review the model's generated text to identify any potential leaks or inconsistencies. This can help you detect issues early and take corrective action if necessary, or take mitigating strategies before Claude's answer is revealed to the user.

Conclusion

While it's not possible to completely eliminate the risk of prompt leaks in LLMs, the strategies outlined in this guide can help you minimize the likelihood of sensitive information being revealed in the model's generated text. By separating context from queries, balancing leak resistance with performance, and implementing additional techniques, you can better protect the confidentiality of your input prompts.

Remember to test these strategies with your specific use case and adjust them as needed to ensure the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team for further assistance.