OpenAI has significantly strengthened its internal security measures in response to rising concerns about corporate espionage. The company recently accelerated its security overhaul following allegations that Chinese startup DeepSeek improperly appropriated its modeling methods through advanced “distillation” techniques. The competitive nature of the AI industry, highlighted by DeepSeek’s January debut of a rival model, has pushed OpenAI to tighten protocols protecting its intellectual property.
Among the newly implemented strategies is the “information tenting” policy, a measure designed to restrict employee access to sensitive algorithms and development projects. When the company was developing its o1 model, for instance, discussions were limited strictly to team members who had explicit project clearance, even within shared office environments.
Beyond access restrictions, OpenAI has moved to isolate its proprietary technology on offline computer systems and imposed stringent biometric security measures, including fingerprint scanning, to control physical entry into sensitive office areas. The firm is now also maintaining a “deny-by-default” stance toward internet connectivity, insisting on explicit approvals for external online interactions. Additionally, OpenAI has substantially expanded its cybersecurity team and significantly enhanced physical security at its data centers.
These heightened security measures are primarily aimed at shielding OpenAI from external threats aiming to acquire its intellectual property unlawfully. Nevertheless, the internal environment also remains a concern, particularly given persistent talent poaching within the American tech sector and recurrent leaks of CEO Sam Altman’s internal communications.
