Security and Privacy Design
Executive Summary
- Netdata is built with security-first principles to protect user data across all systems.
- Observability data remains local, while minimal metadata travels securely to Netdata Cloud.
- We follow best practices to support GDPR, CCPA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and HIPAA compliance.
Introduction
This page explains how Netdata designs and operates secure, privacy-respecting services across the Netdata Agent and Netdata Cloud.
Netdata builds security into every layer. You retain control over your observability data while benefiting from powerful real-time monitoring and insights.
Netdata's Security Principles
Security by Design
Netdata separates your system information into two categories:
| Type | Description | Where It Lives |
|---|---|---|
| Observability Data | Metrics and logs | Stored locally, fully under your control |
| Observability Metadata | Hostnames, metric names, alerts | Routed securely to Netdata Cloud for dashboards and notifications |
This ensures that your critical system insights remain private, and only minimal metadata flows to the cloud.
Observability Data and Metadata Flow
Here is how your data flows through Netdata:
Observability data (metrics and logs) never leaves your system. Only essential metadata flows securely to Netdata Cloud.
Compliance with Open Source Security Foundation (OSSF) Best Practices
Netdata follows OSSF best practices, including:
- Automated testing across the UI, backend, and Agent
- Static and security code analysis with GitHub CodeQL, Dependabot, linters, and Coverity
- Two senior engineer reviews per pull request
- Continuous stress testing in production-like environments
Third-Party Testing and Isolation
Netdata Agents undergo regular external security audits.
All reports are prioritized for quick investigation and resolution.
Netdata Cloud operates in isolated environments with Infrastructure as Code (IaC). No manual production access exists, and monitoring is fully automated.
Security Vulnerability Response
Netdata handles vulnerabilities with a clear process:
- Full investigation of reported issues
- Mitigation typically within one week
- Immediate patch releases when necessary
Stay updated by subscribing to Netdata’s GitHub releases.
Compliance with Regulations
Netdata complies with major data privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA.
GDPR and CCPA Compliance
Netdata conducts internal audits to ensure compliance and offers Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) upon request.
Contact Netdata Support to request a DPA.
Data Transfers
| Type | Handling |
|---|---|
| Observability Data | Remains on your infrastructure |
| Observability Metadata | Securely transferred and stored in US-based data centers (Google Cloud, AWS) |
Data is tunneled securely in real-time without being stored on Netdata Cloud servers.
Data processing complies with GDPR and CCPA requirements.
Privacy Rights
You can manage your privacy rights easily:
| Right | How to Access |
|---|---|
| Access, correct, or delete your data | Use the Netdata Cloud UI |
| Fully delete your account and all data | Log in to app.netdata.cloud, go to Profile, and delete your account |
Deleting your account removes all associated personal data, including email and activity records.
Regular Reviews and Updates
Netdata continuously updates its policies and technical controls to stay aligned with evolving regulations.
Anonymous Statistics
Netdata collects anonymous installation and telemetry statistics to improve its services.
| Collected | Used For |
|---|---|
| Installation info (plugins, operating systems, feature usage) | Guide product development and prioritize improvements |
| Telemetry events (errors, performance metrics) | Identify issues and enhance stability |
- Observability data (metrics and logs) is never collected.
- Metadata is anonymized before storage.
Opting Out
You can disable anonymous telemetry:
- During installation
- Anytime after, by removing the telemetry opt-in file
See installation documentation for detailed opt-out steps.
Netdata does not sell or share anonymous statistics with any third parties.
Internal Security Measures
Netdata enforces layered security controls:
| Area | Control |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Management | Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) |
| Authentication | GitHub SSO, Google SSO, email validation |
| Data Handling | TLS encryption, session tracking |
| Access Control | Role-based access, multi-factor authentication |
| Threat Defense | DDoS protection, vulnerability scanning |
| Developer Process | Static analyzers, mandatory senior code reviews |
| Production Isolation | No direct access to production environments |
Need additional security configurations? Contact Netdata Support.
Standards Alignment
PCI DSS Alignment
Netdata applies practices that align with PCI DSS security principles:
- Secure infrastructure
- Access control
- Encryption practices
However, Netdata is not officially PCI DSS certified.
Entities needing full PCI DSS compliance must perform additional assessments.
Consult a PCI DSS compliance expert if you use Netdata as part of your PCI environment.
HIPAA Alignment
Netdata aligns with HIPAA security practices:
- Minimized data handling
- Secure authentication and encryption
Netdata provides Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) for healthcare organizations but is not HIPAA-certified.
Request a BAA through Netdata Support if required.
SOC 2 Alignment
Netdata’s operations align with SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria:
| Principle | Practices |
|---|---|
| Security | TLS encryption, strict access controls |
| Availability | Resilient systems, continuous monitoring |
| Processing Integrity | Reliable metric collection |
| Confidentiality | Metadata isolation, role-based access |
| Privacy | GDPR and CCPA-compliant data handling |
Netdata is not currently SOC 2 certified but applies equivalent controls.
Conclusion
Netdata gives you a secure and transparent way to monitor your systems.
With clear separation of observability data and metadata, strong encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with international standards, you retain full ownership and control of your system insights.
You are always in control of your data with Netdata.
Netdata’s commitment to security, privacy, and transparency ensures that your monitoring environment stays protected and trusted at every step.
Do you have any feedback for this page? If so, you can open a new issue on our netdata/learn repository.