Navigating the Security Challenges of LLMs: Positioning Target-Side Defenses and Identifying Research Gaps

Malte Josten, Matthias Schaffeld, René Lehmann, Torben Weis

2025

Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized various domains with their ability to generate human-like text, yet their misuse has introduced significant cybersecurity risks. Malicious actors exploit LLMs to create personalized phishing attacks, spread misinformation, and develop sophisticated malware, reducing the expertise and resources needed to execute such threats. The unrestricted accessibility of some LLMs further amplifies these risks, as they can circumvent existing safeguards and enhance a range of attack vectors. Current countermeasures primarily focus on restricting harmful content generation, but challenges persist, especially with unregulated or open-source LLMs. To address these limitations, a shift toward target-side detection and mitigation strategies is critical. We examine prevalent LLM-based attack methods and their implications for cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for robust defenses. We propose five core criteria—adaptability, compatibility, efficiency, effectiveness, and usability—for designing and evaluating countermeasures. An assessment of state-of-the-art solutions reveals significant gaps in adaptability and usability, highlighting areas for improvement. By addressing these challenges, we aim to guide the development of comprehensive security measures that safeguard the benefits of LLMs while mitigating their potential for misuse, ensuring digital trust and resilience in the face of evolving threats.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Josten M., Schaffeld M., Lehmann R. and Weis T. (2025). Navigating the Security Challenges of LLMs: Positioning Target-Side Defenses and Identifying Research Gaps. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 2: ICISSP; ISBN 978-989-758-735-1, SciTePress, pages 240-247. DOI: 10.5220/0013274700003899

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icissp25,
author={Malte Josten and Matthias Schaffeld and René Lehmann and Torben Weis},
title={Navigating the Security Challenges of LLMs: Positioning Target-Side Defenses and Identifying Research Gaps},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 2: ICISSP},
year={2025},
pages={240-247},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013274700003899},
isbn={978-989-758-735-1},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 2: ICISSP
TI - Navigating the Security Challenges of LLMs: Positioning Target-Side Defenses and Identifying Research Gaps
SN - 978-989-758-735-1
AU - Josten M.
AU - Schaffeld M.
AU - Lehmann R.
AU - Weis T.
PY - 2025
SP - 240
EP - 247
DO - 10.5220/0013274700003899
PB - SciTePress