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December 28, 2023
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4
 min read

Jira Security Best Practices to Safeguard PII ,PHI and Confidential Elements

Learn how to safeguard sensitive data in Jira with the best practices available, from optimizing user management to increasing data protection with Strac.

Jira Security Best Practices to Safeguard PII ,PHI and Confidential Elements
Calendar Icon White
December 28, 2023
Clock Icon
4
 min read

Jira Security Best Practices to Safeguard PII ,PHI and Confidential Elements

Learn how to safeguard sensitive data in Jira with the best practices available, from optimizing user management to increasing data protection with Strac.

TL;DR

  • Jira lacks advanced security measures to protect sensitive data.
  • This opens Jira to many vulnerabilities such as misconfigured permissions, phishing attacks, API security flaws, insider threats.
  • Jira security can be enhanced via user management with authentication, securing project permissions, strengthening data encryption, and conducting regular audits.
  • Strac's Jira DLP integration offers real-time detection, data classification, redaction, and reduced risk of human error.

Jira has become integral to teams worldwide, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. However, this wide adoption has evolved into a major source of large volumes of sensitive data. This transformation escalates its profile as a potential target for cyber threats, requiring enhanced security measures.  

Jira offers numerous security features, from user-friendly options like Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to more intricate project permissions. However, merely relying on its default settings is insufficient. We have come up with some Jira security best practices to enhance Jira's security capabilities and ensure your projects are protected against the modern-day cyber threats.

Why Sensitive Data is not Secure in Jira?

Sensitive data may not always be secure in Jira due to the following reasons:

  • Misconfigured Permissions: Jira's complex permission settings, if not properly managed, can inadvertently expose sensitive data. A notable example of this was reported, where a misconfiguration in Jira led to a data breach exposing data from several Fortune 500 companies.
  • Phishing Attacks: Jira users, like those of many online platforms, are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Attackers may send deceptive emails resembling Jira notifications to steal login credentials, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive project data.
  • API Security Flaws: While Jira's API integration capabilities enhance its functionality, they can also introduce security risks. Poorly managed API tokens or security flaws in API integrations can lead to data breaches.
  • Third-Party App Integrations: Integrating third-party apps in Jira can extend its capabilities but poses security risks. If these apps have vulnerabilities or are not properly secured, they can become potential entry points for attackers.
  • Insider Threats: Insider threats pose a significant risk, whether intentional or accidental. Employees with access to sensitive data might misuse it or inadvertently cause a data breach.
  • Outdated Software: Using outdated versions of Jira software can leave the system vulnerable to known security exploits. For instance, Atlassian has announced that support for certain Server products, including specific versions of Jira, will end after February 15th, 2024.

Best Practices to Secure Sensitive Data in Jira Tickets

Securing sensitive data in Jira involves multiple aspects, from user management to data encryption. Here are some Jira security best practices.

  1. Implement SSO and MFA to secure Jira logins
  2. Secure project permissions and access
  3. Strengthen data encryption and protection
  4. Enhance security with audit logging and monitoring
  5. Ensure API security in Jira
  6. Proactive security vulnerability managemenT

1. Implement SSO and MFA to secure Jira logins

Enhance your login security by implementing authentication methods such as Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions to streamline the login process while simultaneously enhancing security through centralized credential management. Further reinforce this security framework by incorporating Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), which necessitates users to provide multiple forms of verification, thereby adding a critical layer of security and significantly reducing unauthorized access risks.

2. Secure project permissions and access

Securing project permissions and access in Jira involves carefully balancing accessibility and protection. Users can Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for precise control over who can view or modify different aspects of a project, ensuring that users have access only to the information necessary for their role. 

Customizing permission schemes for each project tailors security settings to specific needs, enhancing data protection. Furthermore, configuring issue security schemes is crucial for projects handling sensitive data, as it controls who can see individual Jira issues, thus safeguarding confidential information from unintended exposure.

3. Strengthen data encryption and protection

Data encryption safeguards data from being compromised, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure whether stored or during transmission. Using SSL/TLS certificates for secure connections to the Jira server is advantageous, as it encrypts the data transferred between the user's browser and Jira, protecting it from interception or unauthorized access.

4. Enhance security with audit logging and monitoring

Regularly reviewing Jira's audit logs and monitoring for unusual activity are essential parts of Jira's security best practices. This allows you to identify unusual or unauthorized activity and gain insight into potential security threats.

5. Ensure API security in Jira

Conduct regular reviews and revoke any obsolete tokens to prevent unauthorized access. Implementing rate limiting on API endpoints is imperative as a critical defense against brute force attacks and other abusive actions. This will ensure the safe and responsible use of the APIs.

6. Proactive security vulnerability management

Prioritize the assessment and securing of third-party apps before their integration into Jira, as they can introduce new vulnerabilities. Furthermore, ensure regular updates and thorough security checks of these apps to maintain their security and compliance with established standards.

How do you improve Jira Security with Strac?

Strac is a modern DLP solution known for its high accuracy in detecting sensitive data across various formats, including unstructured text and common document types. Improving Jira security with Strac involves leveraging its advanced features designed to protect sensitive data.

Real-time sensitive data detection

Strac operates in real-time, not periodically. As soon as sensitive data is entered or uploaded into Jira, Strac's system detects it almost immediately. This prompt detection is crucial for preventing potential data breaches or compliance violations. 

For instance, if an employee inadvertently inputs sensitive customer information like credit card details or Social Security numbers into a Jira ticket, Strac immediately identifies this data, preventing it from becoming a security risk.

Sensitive data classification and redaction

Upon detecting sensitive data, Strac classifies it according to its type, such as PII or PHI, and applies appropriate security measures. This often includes redaction, where sensitive parts of the data are masked or removed to prevent unauthorized access. 

Strac can replace sensitive data in a Jira ticket with a link to the Strac vault, where authorized personnel can access the original data, ensuring that sensitive information is secure and accessible when necessary.

Compliance assurance with customizable data handling policy

Administrators can configure Strac to detect and redact data elements based on the organization's data handling policies and regulatory requirements. This capability helps organizations comply with various data privacy laws, including HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI, and others.

Reduced risk of human error

The automation of Strac's scanning process significantly reduces reliance on manual monitoring, which can be prone to oversights or errors. This consistent and reliable data security approach minimizes human error risk, enhancing the overall security posture within Jira.

Alerts and reporting

In addition to protecting data, Strac's continuous scanning includes generating alerts for security teams about potential issues and providing reports for compliance audits. These reports offer insights into the types and frequencies of sensitive data handled within Jira, aiding in informed decision-making and continuous improvement of data security strategies.

Book a demo to learn more.

Founding Engineer. Ex-Amazon Payments Security Engineer for 10 years.

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