Practical Product Security: Model Context Protocol
Geoff Robinson and Brad Dixon discussed recent developments in AI security, focusing on the introduction of the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Announced in late 2024, MCP enables AI systems to access information and tools more effectively, and has quickly gained support from major providers like ChatGPT and Anthropic Cloud. Thousands of MCP servers are now in use, with many SaaS providers updating their applications to integrate MCP for AI-driven software connections.
Since MCP is still very new, many organizations building MCP servers are encountering security challenges. Brad shared an example where Asana had to urgently fix missing authorization checks to prevent unauthorized cross-tenant access, illustrating the risks of deploying new code and the novel complexities of MCP authorization.
For businesses and users, Brad advised careful vetting of MCP server combinations in AI environments, as secure servers on their own could create unintended security outcomes when used together. Check out his research article to learn more about the intricacies of MCP.