Netdata Cloud Security and Privacy Design
Executive Summary
- Netdata Cloud offers secure real-time monitoring without storing raw metrics.
- Only minimal metadata passes securely through Netdata Cloud.
Users retain full control of their data. - Infrastructure is protected with strong encryption, access control, and compliance with GDPR, CCPA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and HIPAA standards.
- Netdata Cloud continuously evolves its security and privacy practices to meet the highest industry standards.
Netdata achieves SOC 2 Type 1 attestation, reinforcing its dedication to robust security practices for user data.
Introduction
Netdata Cloud enables secure real-time system insights without storing raw metrics.
Data passes through Netdata Cloud securely but isn't retained. Metric views and alerts from multiple Agents display as a unified dashboard in your browser.
User Identification and Authorization
Netdata Cloud requires only an email address for accounts.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Identification | Email via Google, GitHub, or short-lived tokens |
| Credentials | No passwords stored |
| Storage | Secure AWS storage; used for product and marketing |
Authentication uses third-party integrations or secure tokens. Netdata Cloud never stores credentials.
Data Storage and Transfer
Netdata Cloud stores no raw metrics, only essential metadata:
| Metadata Stored | Source |
|---|---|
| Hostname | /api/v1/info endpoint |
| Metric Metadata | /api/v1/contexts endpoint |
| Alerts Configuration | /api/v1/alarms endpoint |
All metadata is stored in AWS and copied to Google BigQuery for analytics.
Metric data travels via secure Agent-Cloud Link (ACLK):
- ACLK encrypts data and activates only for claimed nodes
- All user-Cloud communication uses TLS encryption
ACLK Secure Data Flow
Data Retention and Erasure
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Retention | Deleted content kept 90 days |
| Self-Service | Modify/delete personal data via Cloud UI |
| Manual Requests | Written deletion requests processed under data laws |
Users can delete accounts and data directly from their Netdata Cloud profile.
Infrastructure and Authentication
Netdata Cloud uses Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
| Feature | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Changes | Managed via Terraform |
| Authentication | JWT tokens at TLS termination points |
| Microservices Isolation | Complete environment separation |
Netdata Cloud never stores user credentials.
Security Features and Incident Response
Built-in security protections include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Dashboards | Centralized monitoring/alerting |
| Audit Logs | Role-based access tracking |
| DDoS Protection | Rate-limiting and blacklisting |
| Secure Development | Static analyzers and secure coding |
Security vulnerabilities follow a structured process:
- Acknowledge within three business days
- Analyze and fix promptly
- Maintain communication with reporters
See Netdata's GitHub Security Policy for details.
User Customization
Netdata Cloud uses maximum security defaults without out-of-box customization.
Per-contract customization options include:
- Custom SSO
- Custom retention policies
- Advanced access controls
- Tailored audit logs
- Third-party security tool integration
Contact Netdata Sales for enterprise solutions.
Deleting Personal Data
Users can delete personal data by:
- Logging into Netdata Cloud
- Accessing Profile settings
- Initiating account deletion
If self-service isn't available, submit written requests processed under applicable laws.
User Privacy and Data Protection
Netdata Cloud prioritizes privacy and data protection, continuously reviewing and updating privacy and security practices.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Collection | • Email Address (account, communication, analytics) • IP Address (web proxy access logs) |
| Data Usage | • Stored in AWS databases • Copied to BigQuery for analytics • Used for product improvement • With consent, tracking via Google Analytics, Posthog, and Gainsight PX • Stripe for secure payment handling |
| Data Sharing | • No selling or sharing of personal data • Third-party services: Google Cloud/AWS (infrastructure), Stripe (payments), Analytics services |
| Data Protection | • Encrypted ACLK for all infrastructure data • TLS encryption for all user-Cloud communication |
| User Control | • Access personal data • Correct inaccuracies • Retrieve personal data • Delete accounts • Note: Temporary maintenance may limit access |
| Compliance | • Full compliance with GDPR and CCPA |
| Data Transfer | • Secure, encrypted WebSocket (WSS) connections for all transfers |
| Tracking Technologies | • With consent: analytical cookies tracked via Google Analytics, Posthog, and Gainsight PX |
| Data Breach Protocol | • Follows DPA guidelines and industry timelines • User notifications as required by data protection laws • Continuous review and updates to privacy and security practices |
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