Protective check on web search queries — catches PII leaks or suspicious targets before queries reach external services, so internal data doesn't escape through a search bar. Call this BEFORE executing any web search query on behalf of a user or agent. DECISION LOGIC: - If blocked=true: do NOT ex...
Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query)
Part of the Shrike Security server.
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AI agents call scan_web_search to retrieve information from Shrike Security without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.
Even though scan_web_search only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"scan_web_search": {}
}
}See the full Shrike Security policy for all 12 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access scan_web_search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Protective check on web search queries — catches PII leaks or suspicious targets before queries reach external services, so internal data doesn't escape through a search bar. Call this BEFORE executing any web search query on behalf of a user or agent. DECISION LOGIC: - If blocked=true: do NOT execute the search. Return the user_message explaining the query was rejected. - If blocked=false: the search query is safe to execute. Checks for: - PII in search queries (SSN, credit cards, API keys, private keys) - Data exfiltration patterns (searching for leaked credentials, Google dorks) - Blocked/suspicious domains (paste sites, suspicious TLDs) Enterprise context: Prevents agents from inadvertently leaking internal data (names, account numbers, internal project names) through external search engines. ERROR HANDLING: If this tool returns an error or is unavailable, default to BLOCKING the search. Do NOT send unscanned queries to external services.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Shrike Security MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Shrike Security MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for scan_web_search: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Shrike Security. Nothing to install.
scan_web_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the scan_web_search rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for scan_web_search. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
scan_web_search is provided by the Shrike Security MCP server (shrike-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 12 Shrike Security tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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