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What is AI Runtime Detection & Response and how does it work?

What is AI Runtime Detection & Response?
AI Runtime Detection & Response (AI-RDR) refers to the continuous monitoring of inputs (prompts) and outputs (responses) from AI systems during live operation. It enables organizations to identify and stop malicious behavior—such as prompt injection, sensitive data leaks, or model misuse—in real time. This allows enterprises to securely scale generative AI adoption while maintaining compliance and control over sensitive interactions.

How Does Runtime Detection & Response Work in PointGuard AI?
PointGuard AI Runtime Defense is a fully integrated solution for protecting AI systems and applications during live use. It intercepts threats via APIs, proxies, or agents, and applies enforcement policies at runtime—before harmful prompts or outputs cause security or compliance issues.

Prompt and Response Monitoring
PointGuard inspects every prompt submitted to the AI system and each response generated. This inspection ensures that:
- Sensitive data (e.g., PII, confidential IP) is not exposed.
- Prompt injection and jailbreak attempts are blocked before execution.
- Malware or malicious code generation is stopped at the source.
  As shown in the AI Runtime Defense capabilities table on page 2 of the datasheet, this includes controls for data leak detection, prompt injection, jailbreak detection, and response filtering.
Flexible Enforcement Actions
PointGuard offers multiple enforcement options:
- Blocking: Prevents delivery of malicious prompts or responses.
- Redacting: Removes sensitive content from messages while preserving safe content.
- Masking: Hides specific terms or values without blocking the entire response.
Multiple Deployment Methods
Organizations can choose from frictionless API-based monitoring or inline enforcement via a firewall/proxy. These options allow enterprises to match deployment models with their risk posture and architecture:
- API-based monitoring: Observes AI traffic in near real-time.
- AI firewall proxy: Enforces inline controls with zero code changes to applications.
Automation and Integration
PointGuard AI integrates with Jira, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Teams to automatically generate remediation tickets and notifications when runtime risks are detected. This ensures swift action and reduces the time to containment.

Why PointGuard for AI Runtime Detection & Response?
PointGuard AI is the only platform that extends runtime protection across both AI models and their connected software ecosystems. By integrating enforcement, visibility, and automation into live AI workflows, PointGuard ensures that sensitive data remains protected, misuse is blocked in real time, and compliance is maintained across AI-powered applications.