netdata/docs/security-and-privacy-design/netdata-cloud-security.md

Netdata Cloud Security and Privacy Design

Netdata Cloud is designed with a security-first approach to ensure the highest level of protection for user data. When using Netdata Cloud in environments that require compliance with standards like PCI DSS, SOC 2, or HIPAA, users can be confident that all collected data is stored within their infrastructure. Data viewed on dashboards and alert notifications travel over Netdata Cloud, but are not stored—instead, they're transformed in transit, aggregated from multiple Agents and parents (centralization points), to appear as one data source in the user's browser.

User Identification and Authorization

Netdata Cloud requires only an email address to create an account and use the service. User identification and authorization are conducted either via third-party integrations (Google, GitHub accounts) or through short-lived access tokens sent to the user’s email account. Email addresses are stored securely in our production database on AWS and are also used for product and marketing communications. Netdata Cloud does not store user credentials.

Data Storage and Transfer

Although Netdata Cloud does not store metric data, it does keep some metadata for each node connected to user spaces. This metadata includes the hostname, information from the /api/v1/info endpoint, metric metadata from /api/v1/contexts, and alerts configurations from /api/v1/alarms. This data is securely stored in our production database on AWS and copied to Google BigQuery for analytics purposes.

All data visible on Netdata Cloud is transferred through the Agent-Cloud link (ACLK) mechanism, which securely connects a Netdata Agent to Netdata Cloud. The ACLK is encrypted and safe, and is only established if the user connects/claims their node. Data in transit between a user and Netdata Cloud is encrypted using TLS.

Data Retention and Erasure

Netdata Cloud maintains backups of customer content for approximately 90 days following a deletion. Users have the ability to access, retrieve, correct, and delete personal data stored in Netdata Cloud. In case a user is unable to delete personal data via self-services functionality, Netdata will delete personal data upon the customer's written request, in accordance with applicable data protection law.

Infrastructure and Authentication

Netdata Cloud operates on an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) model. Its microservices environment is completely isolated, and all changes occur through Terraform. At the edge of Netdata Cloud, there is a TLS termination and an Identity and Access Management (IAM) service that validates JWT tokens included in request cookies.

Netdata Cloud does not store user credentials.

Security Features and Response

Netdata Cloud offers a variety of security features, including infrastructure-level dashboards, centralized alert notifications, auditing logs, and role-based access to different segments of the infrastructure. It employs several protection mechanisms against DDoS attacks, such as rate-limiting and automated blacklisting. It also uses static code analyzers to prevent other types of attacks.

In the event of potential security vulnerabilities or incidents, Netdata Cloud follows the same process as the Netdata agent. Every report is acknowledged and analyzed by the Netdata team within three working days, and the team keeps the reporter updated throughout the process.

User Customization

Netdata Cloud uses the highest level of security. There is no user customization available out of the box. Its security settings are designed to provide maximum protection for all users. We are offering customization (like custom SSO integrations, custom data retention policies, advanced user access controls, tailored audit logs, integration with other security tools, etc.) on a per contract basis.

Deleting Personal Data

Users who wish to remove all personal data (including email and activities) can delete their account by logging into Netdata Cloud and accessing their profile.

User Privacy and Data Protection

Netdata Cloud is built with an unwavering commitment to user privacy and data protection. We understand that our users' data is both sensitive and valuable, and we have implemented stringent measures to ensure its safety.

Data Collection

Netdata Cloud collects minimal personal information from its users. The only personal data required to create an account and use the service is an email address. This email address is used for product and marketing communications. Additionally, the IP address used to access Netdata Cloud is stored in web proxy access logs.

Data Usage

The collected email addresses are stored in our production database on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and copied to Google BigQuery, our data lake, for analytics purposes. These analytics are crucial for our product development process. If a user accepts the use of analytical cookies, their email address and IP are stored in the systems we use to track application usage (Google Analytics, Posthog, and Gainsight PX). Subscriptions and Payments data are handled by Stripe.

Data Sharing

Netdata Cloud does not share any personal data with third parties, ensuring the privacy of our users' data, but Netdata Cloud does use third parties for its services, including, but not limited to, Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services for its infrastructure, Stripe for payment processing, Google Analytics, Posthog and Gainsight PX for analytics.

Data Protection

We use state-of-the-art security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. All infrastructure data visible on Netdata Cloud passes through the Agent-Cloud Link (ACLK) mechanism, which securely connects a Netdata Agent to Netdata Cloud. The ACLK is encrypted, safe, and is only established if the user connects their node. All data in transit between a user and Netdata Cloud is encrypted using TLS.

User Control over Data

Netdata provides its users with the ability to access, retrieve, correct, and delete their personal data stored in Netdata Cloud. This ability may occasionally be limited due to temporary service outages for maintenance or other updates to Netdata Cloud, or when it is technically not feasible. If a customer is unable to delete personal data via the self-services functionality, Netdata deletes the data upon the customer's written request, within the timeframe specified in the Data Protection Agreement (DPA), and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Compliance with Data Protection Laws

Netdata Cloud is fully compliant with data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Data Transfer

Data transfer within Netdata Cloud is secure and respects the privacy of the user data. The Netdata Agent establishes an outgoing secure WebSocket (WSS) connection to Netdata Cloud, ensuring that the data is encrypted when in transit.

Use of Tracking Technologies

Netdata Cloud uses analytical cookies if a user consents to their use. These cookies are used to track the usage of the application and are stored in systems like Google Analytics, Posthog and Gainsight PX.

Data Breach Notification Process

In the event of a data breach, Netdata has a well-defined process in place for notifying users. The details of this process align with the standard procedures and timelines defined in the Data Protection Agreement (DPA).

We continually review and update our privacy and data protection practices to ensure the highest level of data safety and privacy for our users.