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What is a large language model (LLM)?
A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to understand and generate human-like text.
These models are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks trained on vast amounts of textual data.
LLMs enable natural language processing (NLP) applications such as chatbots, translation services, and content generation.
How do LLMs work?
Large language models rely on deep learning architectures, particularly transformer models, to analyze and generate text.
These models are trained on extensive datasets sourced from books, articles, websites, and other publicly available text.
By processing large amounts of linguistic data, LLMs learn patterns, syntax, and contextual meaning, allowing them to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses to prompts.
Most LLMs function using a combination of pretraining and fine-tuning:
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Pretraining: The model is exposed to vast text corpora to learn grammar, facts, and language structure.
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Fine-tuning: The model is further trained on specific datasets to specialize in a particular domain or task, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
What are LLMs used for?
Large language models have a broad range of use. Commonly used in software development, LLMs can enhance productivity by automating repetitive coding tasks, generating boilerplate code, and reviewing and optimizing code for inefficiencies and potential bugs.
The use of LLMs extends far beyond software development and can be applied to various scenarios across industries, including:
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Chatbots and virtual assistants to power AI-driven conversations in customer service and personal assistant applications.
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Content creation to generate articles, reports, and marketing content.
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Automated translation to enhance real-time translation services.
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Search engines to improve search results by understanding context and user intent.
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Legal and compliance analysis to assist with document review and contract analysis.
Large language models examples
Several well-known LLM models dominate the AI landscape, including:
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GPT-4 (OpenAI) — Powers advanced AI applications with highly capable text generation and reasoning. Frequently used in software development for code completion, debugging, and AI-assisted programming.
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PaLM 2 (Google) — Enables multilingual applications and complex problem-solving. Often integrated into development workflows for tasks like automated documentation and translation of technical content.
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Claude (Anthropic) — Prioritizes safety and reliable AI outputs. Commonly applied in secure AI interactions, ethical AI implementations, and controlled software environments.
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Llama (Meta) — Provides an open source LLM for researchers and developers. Useful for enterprises and developers who require customizable AI solutions without proprietary restrictions.
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Mistral — Optimized for efficiency and performance in AI-driven applications. Frequently adopted for its high-speed processing in software automation and natural language understanding tasks.
Advantages of open source large language models
As LLMs become more commonplace, organizations need to decide between using closed source vs. open source large language models. Open source LLMs are publicly available, allowing anyone to participate in its development. Closed source models are built with proprietary code either in-house or available through a licensing agreement.
While there are advantages to both, open source large language models enable organizations to innovate quickly. The rise of open source LLM models offers several benefits, including:
Transparency
Developers can inspect, modify, and improve model architectures.
Customization
Organizations can fine-tune models for domain-specific applications.
Cost-effectiveness
Organizations can avoid expensive licensing fees associated with proprietary AI language models.
Reduced vendor lock-in
Open source models allow greater flexibility in deployment and integration.
However, organizations must carefully evaluate licensing terms when leveraging open source large language models, as some models may impose restrictions on commercial use or modifications.
Common LLM security concerns
Like open source software components, LLMs AI introduce risks that must be actively managed. Without proper oversight, organizations can unknowingly expose themselves to vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. LLMs should be assessed and governed with the same level of scrutiny as software dependencies to mitigate potential security threats.
Some of the key security concerns include:
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Data privacy concerns — Many LLMs process user inputs, raising concerns about sensitive data exposure.
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Model poisoning — Attackers can manipulate training data to introduce biases or vulnerabilities.
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Hallucinations and misinformation — LLMs may generate inaccurate or misleading content.
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Copyright infringement — Many LLM models are trained on publicly available data, which may include copyrighted material without explicit permission.
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Licensing risks — The terms of open source LLM models must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with usage rights.
How to use LLMs during development
Developers integrating AI LLMs into applications should follow best practices to mitigate risks and enhance efficiency:
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Assess and select the right model — Evaluate LLM models based on cost, accuracy, licensing, and security considerations. With Sonatype, organizations can enforce security and compliance policies across model usage.
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Fine-tune models effectively — Adapt pre-trained models to fit specific business needs while ensuring proper governance. Sonatype helps centralize storage and management of models within DevOps workflows.
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Implement ethical safeguards — Establish policies to ensure AI-generated content aligns with security and ethical guidelines. Sonatype provides visibility into model consumption to enforce responsible usage.
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Monitor model performance and risks — Regularly audit LLM-generated content to prevent biases, inaccuracies, and security threats. Sonatype enables automated risk assessments and policy enforcement across AI dependencies.
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Secure API interactions — Protect LLM integrations from unauthorized access and data leaks with robust access controls and governance frameworks.
Building applications with LLMs securely
To develop secure and reliable applications powered by large language models, consider the following:
Data encryption
Encrypt data exchanges between applications and LLMs AI services.
Access control
Restrict usage based on user roles and authentication requirements.
Audit logs
Maintain logs of LLM interactions to track potential security issues.
Human oversight
Validate critical outputs generated by LLMs to reduce risks of misinformation.
Policy enforcement
Implement automated policies to ensure responsible usage, security, and compliance of LLM integrations within software development workflows.
Compliance monitoring
Stay updated on AI regulations and licensing changes affecting LLM models and be ready to report on your model consumption, as LLMs quickly evolve so will regulations.
How Sonatype can help with LLMs
Sonatype enables organizations to securely integrate AI-powered solutions by identifying, classifying, and mitigating risks associated with LLMs AI.
Our approach ensures that enterprises can:
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Monitor licensing compliance for open source LLMs.
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Analyze AI dependencies within software supply chains.
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Detect and block security threats associated with AI language model usage.
With AI-driven software composition analysis (SCA) solutions, Sonatype helps businesses make informed decisions while leveraging large language models for innovation. Sonatype’s AI solutions can help you harness the power of AI securely. Explore how the Sonatype platform addresses AI models and LLMs across the software development life cycle (SDLC).
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