OpenClaw Security Guide 2026: How to Use AI Agents in a Safer Manner (Step-by-Step)

You wouldn’t hand a stranger the keys to your house, your car, and your phone all at once. So why would you do that with AI?

Last week I wrote about what OpenClaw is and how to stop it from running on your computer if your tech-savvy teen installed it out of curiosity. Since then, I have received many questions from.. curious parents who want to run it securely, because, honestly, it is a genuinely powerful tool. So I bought myself a Mac mini, experimented with different configurations, and landed on a setup I feel better about. I am sharing everything in detail here.

If you have heard about OpenClaw or similar AI agent systems, you might be excited about what’s possible. But here is something most people miss: OpenClaw is fundamentally different from ChatGPT or Gemini. It is not a chatbot. It is an AI agent that can actually do things on your computer. It can read and write files, execute commands, browse websites while logged in as you, and more.

That is powerful. It is also exactly why you need to understand what you are giving it access to before anyone in your household sets it up.

OpenClaw vs ChatGPT: Understanding the Difference

The critical difference: When you use ChatGPT or Gemini in your browser, you are just having a conversation. The AI cannot “touch” your computer.

OpenClaw is completely different. This AI agent can:

• Read and modify ANY file on your computer

• Access your command line/terminal (the control center of your computer)

• Use your web browser with all your saved passwords and logged-in accounts

• Read your emails and calendar

• Access any account you are signed into

Think of it this way: ChatGPT is like talking to someone through a window. OpenClaw is like inviting someone into your house and giving them access to every room, drawer, safe, and the ability to use everything inside.

⚠️ A Note of Caution

This guide is not a recommendation. I am not suggesting that you should install OpenClaw. In fact, my hope is that by showing you the sheer amount of work required to create a safer installation, you might realize that for your household, it simply is not worth the risk or the effort.

Total safety is a myth. There is no such thing as a “perfectly safe” autonomous agent. This guide (or any other guides) does not provide total safety.

Step 1: Use a Dedicated Computer for OpenClaw

The golden rule: Never install OpenClaw on your main personal computer.

Instead, set up a dedicated machine. You have three options:

Option A: Cloud Computer (easiest for beginners)

• Services like Amazon WorkSpaces or Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop let you rent a computer in the cloud

• Think of it like renting an apartment for your AI and keeping it completely separate from your home

Option B: Old Laptop or Desktop

• Dig out that old laptop from 2015 collecting dust

• Factory reset it

• Use it exclusively for OpenClaw tasks

Option C: Mac Mini or Budget PC

• Buy an inexpensive new machine

• Keep it separate from your family computer

Why this matters: This is exactly like having a work phone separate from your personal phone. If OpenClaw goes rogue or gets compromised, your family photos, tax documents, medical records, and personal accounts stay safe.

Step 2: Create Separate Accounts (Email, Phone, Storage)

On your dedicated OpenClaw computer, don’t sign into your regular accounts. Instead:

Set up fresh accounts:

• New email address (e.g., create a Gmail specifically for this)

• New phone number (Google Voice is free)

• New cloud storage (separate Google Drive or Dropbox account)

• New browser profile with NO saved passwords from your personal life

• Don’t link your bank, social media, shopping, or personal accounts

  This creates a firewall between your AI experiments and your real life.

Step 3: Configure OpenClaw Pairing & Gateway Settings

OpenClaw uses a “pairing” system where devices and services can connect to control it. You need to lock this down tight.

How to Find OpenClaw’s Pairing Settings

OpenClaw stores its settings in a configuration file. Here is how to find and edit it:

1. Open Finder

2. Press

   Command + Shift + G 

   (this opens “Go to Folder”)

3. and paste:

   ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

   If you don't see the folder in Finder, press Command + Shift + Dot (.) to reveal hidden files

4. Open the file with TextEdit or any text editor

5. Update the following pairing lines:

   "pairing": {
     "auto_pairing": false,        // Prevents unauthorized devices from connecting
     "pairing_code_length": 12,    // Ensures a strong, 12-character security code
     "dmPolicy": "pairing"         // You must manually approve every connection
   },

6. Restrict WebSocket to Local-Only Access

   The safest option. It only allows connections from the same computer:

   "gateway": {
     "host": "127.0.0.1",         // Change from "0.0.0.0" to "127.0.0.1"
     "port": 18789,
     "authentication": "token"
   }

   What this means:

   • 0.0.0.0 = OpenClaw accepts connections from anywhere (DANGEROUS)

   • 127.0.0.1 = OpenClaw only accepts connections from this computer (SAFER)

7. After making all configuration changes:
   1. Save the configuration file
   2. Completely quit OpenClaw (don’t just minimize)
   3. Restart OpenClaw
   4. Verify the new settings are active:
   - E.g., check the logs for “WebSocket server started on 127.0.0.1:XXXX”
   
   Test your security:
   - Try connecting from a different device on your network

Step 4: Enable OpenClaw Logging and Monitoring

You need a detailed record of everything OpenClaw does.

How to Find OpenClaw’s Logging Settings

Method 1: In the Configuration File

Using the same config file location from Step 3:

~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

Set the following

"logging": {
  "enabled": true,                   // Turns logging ON
  "level": "verbose",               // Options: "minimal", "normal", "verbose"
  "log_file_actions": true,        // Log every file accessed
  "log_commands": true,            // Log every terminal command
  "keep_logs_days": 30            // Keep 30 days of history
}

The Sunday Routine: Every Sunday, open your logs.

~/.openclaw/logs/

Search (Cmd + F) for “DELETE,” “EXECUTE,” or “AUTH.” If you see actions you did not request, go straight to the Emergency Stop (read here how).

Step 5: Secure the OpenClaw Network

If the AI is on your home Wi-Fi, it can “see” your other family devices.

1. Use Ethernet: If possible, plug the machine directly into your router and turn off Wi-Fi..

2. If you must use Wi-Fi, do not use your main home network. Almost every modern router allows you to create a Guest Network.

   1. Create a Guest SSID: Name it something generic like “Guest_IoT” . Don’t name it “AI_LAB” :).

   2. Enable “Client Isolation”: This is the most important setting. It prevents the OpenClaw machine from “talking” to or even seeing other devices on the same network.

   3. Separate Password: Use a long, complex password that is completely different from your main Wi-Fi password.
      

Step 6: Add Security Rules to OpenClaw System Prompt

OpenClaw allows you to set system instructions/rules it should always follow.

To add these rules, open your SOUL.md file located in your .openclaw folder and paste the rules at the very top. This ensures the AI reads your safety rules before it reads anything else.

For example, copy and paste these into your OpenClaw System Instructions:

OPENCLAW SECURITY RULES - MANDATORY - NEVER OVERRIDE:

1. FILE ACCESS RESTRICTIONS:
   - Never access files outside the /OpenClaw_workspace/ folder
   - Never access folders named: Documents, Photos, Desktop, Downloads
   - Never read or modify files with extensions: .tax, .pdf (personal), .doc (personal)
   - Always ask permission before opening ANY file

2. COMMAND LINE RESTRICTIONS:
   - Never execute terminal commands without explicit approval
   - Never run commands that: delete files (rm), change permissions (chmod), install software (apt/brew install), modify system settings
   - Always show me the command first and wait for "yes" before running

3. INTERNET AND ACCOUNT RESTRICTIONS:
   - Never access websites related to: banking, healthcare, insurance, government services, social media
   - Never log into any account without explicit permission
   - Never make purchases or financial transactions
   - Never send emails, texts, or messages without showing me first

4. DATA PROTECTION:
   - Never upload files to external services
   - Never share information with third-party APIs without permission
   - Never access or transmit: passwords, social security numbers, credit cards, personal health information

5. EMERGENCY STOP:
   - If I say "STOP OPENCLAW" immediately cease all actions and await further instructions
   - If you encounter anything that seems suspicious, stop and alert me

6. TRANSPARENCY:
   - Always tell me what you're about to do before doing it
   - If you're unsure whether an action is safe, ask first
   - Log every action you take

Step 7: The Weekly OpenClaw Update & Audit

In the fast-moving world of AI agents, a "stable version" can become obsolete in a matter of weeks. Developers are constantly patching "prompt injection" vulnerabilities, i.,e., security holes where a malicious website or email could "trick" your AI into bypassing the restrictions you set in Step 6.

Make it a weekly habit to check for updates by running

openclaw update 

Keeping the software current ensures you have the latest "safety rails" and access to the most efficient reasoning models, which reduces the chance of the agent "hallucinating" or making erratic system changes.

After every update, run the built-in

openclaw security audit 

This will automatically scan your setup for exposed API keys or open ports that might have been reset during the update.

Step 8: The Billboard Strategy for Privacy Protection

The Billboard Strategy is a simple mental test that can save you from major privacy disasters.

The Rule: Before you let OpenClaw access ANY information, ask yourself:

“Would I be comfortable with this information displayed on a billboard in my town square?”

If the answer is NO, then OpenClaw should never see it, touch it, or know it exists.

What the Billboard Strategy Protects

Information that should NEVER be on a billboard (and never shared with OpenClaw):

• Social Security numbers

• Credit card numbers and CVV codes

• Bank account numbers and routing numbers

• Passwords and PINs

• Medical records and diagnoses

• Therapy or counseling notes

• Legal documents (divorce papers, lawsuits, contracts)

• Tax returns and financial statements

• Intimate photos or videos

• Personal diary entries or journals

• Salary information and job offer letters

• Home security codes and safe combinations

• Children’s personal information (schools, activities, locations)

• Relationship problems or family conflicts

• Embarrassing personal situations

How to Apply the Billboard Strategy Daily

Before giving OpenClaw a task, pause and ask:

1. “What information will OpenClaw need to access to do this?”

2. “Would any of that information embarrass me on a billboard?”

3. “Could any of that information harm me or my family if it became public?”

If the answer to #2 or #3 is YES → Don’t do the task with OpenClaw.

The Billboard Strategy keeps you safe by making you pause and think before you share.

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Other considerations

• Use a Pre-paid Credit Card for their OpenAI/Anthropic API accounts. That way, even if the AI (or a hacker) goes rogue, you can only spend the $20 or $50 loaded on the card, rather than draining a main bank account.

• WARNING: Never use the

  --dangerously-skip-permissions 

  or

   --yolo 

  flag. This bypasses the safety rules we set in Step 6.

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Quick Start Checklist

Print this and check off each item:

1. [ ] I understand OpenClaw is NOT like ChatGPT: it has full system access

2. [ ] I’ve set up a separate computer (cloud, old laptop, or new budget machine)

3. [ ] I’ve created brand new accounts (email, phone, cloud storage)

4. [ ] I’ve found and edited the pairing settings in the config file

5. [ ] I’ve disabled auto-pairing and enabled manual approval

6. [ ] I’ve found and enabled comprehensive logging (verbose mode)

7. [ ] I know where my log files are stored

8. [ ] I’ve found and secured the WebSocket settings

9. [ ] I’ve changed WebSocket to require authentication

10. [ ] I’ve restricted WebSocket to 127.0.0.1 (local only)

11. [ ] I’ve added security rules to OpenClaw’s system prompt

12. [ ] I’m running the latest OpenClaw model version

13. [ ] I understand and will use the Billboard Strategy for all sensitive information

14. [ ] I have disabled Wi-Fi and used an Ethernet cable (if possible).

15. [ ] If using Wi-Fi, I am on a Guest Network with Client Isolation turned ON.

16. [ ] I have verified that the OpenClaw machine cannot “ping” or see my personal laptop.

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A Final Reality Check

If you’ve made it to the end of this guide and feel more hesitant than when you started—good! My secret hope in writing this was to show you that the “cost” of a safer OpenClaw setup is not just the price of a Mac Mini; it is the constant burden of technical vigilance.

If this setup feels like too much work, or if the risks I have outlined make you uneasy, then I have succeeded. For most families, the best security move is not to follow these steps. Instead, it is to decide that the benefits of an AI agent simply are not worth the risk to your digital home.

Disclaimer 1: Technical Variability

The specific file paths, folder names, and configuration “keys” (the words inside the code) mentioned in this guide are highly dependent on the version of OpenClaw you are running.

Disclaimer 2: The “No Total Safety” Rule

AI agents are evolving rapidly. Even with these precautions, "Total Safety" does not exist. Never give an AI access to anything you are not willing to lose.

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Questions or concerns? Drop them in the comments. Let’s keep our families safe.

Share this guide with anyone considering OpenClaw or similar AI agents.

Remember: Technology should work for you, not put you at risk.

Check also my previous post on understanding the risks of OpenClaw where I also describe how to completely remove OpenClaw.

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One last thing: If you found this valuable, please like or share this post. It only takes a second! Your support helps ensure this information reaches other parents when they need it most. Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Anastasia

About the author: She is a Senior Computer Scientist based in Silicon Valley, where she uses her expertise in mathematics and artificial intelligence to help ensure the safety and reliability of critical systems (think airplanes and beyond!) She is also the parent of a curious 3-year-old daughter. Each night, she reflects on how AI is reshaping the world her daughter is growing up in. This newsletter is her space to explore those reflections on technology, the future, and what it truly means to raise children in an age of rapid and often unpredictable change.