This is a customer-focused details page describing the security in place for ZenGRC storage. As always, if you have additional questions feel free to reach out to support@zengrc.com
Questions
Where does my data go?
ZenGRC uses Amazon S3 for storage. As such, we inherit many of the security and availability controls put in place by AWS. Details of AWS' security controls can be found here: http://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/dev/DataDurability.html
S3 is a globally distributed platform, and as such data stored in it is not contained to a particular geographic region.
What if this configuration doesn't meet my security needs (e.g. I'm a HIPAA covered entity, or need EU-based storage for GDPR compliance)?
Reciprocity is working to deliver a Bring Your Own S3 option, with a projected delivery date in 4Q17. This will allow you to configure at-rest encryption, data monitoring, georestrictions, etc. to meet your unique needs. ZenGRC Storage relies on S3's REST API, so this will be as simple as providing ZenGRC with the URL and security keys to your own S3 bucket.
How much does it cost?
There is no additional cost to use ZenGRC Storage. It's included in your subscription price.
Can I browse the repository?
Not directly. The data you store in ZenGRC Storage is visible only in ZenGRC - to retrieve a document, navigate to the object where it's attached.
How do I share stored data with users outside of Zen?
There are two approaches to this. First, you may grant external users access to your ZenGRC application (following your relevant access control procedures). Second, the Audit Dashboard provides a convenient way to download a zip file of evidence, which can then be provided to your external auditors (this feature is scheduled for delivery in v2.14).
How is my data protected in ZenGRC Storage?
Segregation
Each customer gets their own S3 bucket, which is logically segregated from other customer buckets. Access to ZenGRC storage requires access to an instance of the ZenGRC application; if users outside your organization don't have access to your ZenGRC app, they can't access data in your ZenGRC Storage. This relies on authenticated requests to S3, whereby each customer ZenGRC application has a unique IAM key used to access their S3 bucket.
Encryption at Rest
Data is not encrypted at rest in ZenGRC Storage.
Encryption in Transit
Data is encrypted using TLS 1.2 when in transit between the ZenGRC application and ZenGRC Storage (AWS S3). Data is encrypted between the ZenGRC application and user based on the highest version of TLS supported by the user's browser.
Availability and Backup
Data availability, durability, and recovery is provided by the underlying S3 storage system, which performs continuous checks for data integrity. Data durability is a feature of AWS designed to obviate the need for manual backups, and it provides durability and availability above 99%. Details of these can be found in AWS documentation.
Physical Security
Data in ZenGRC Storage is stored in Amazon AWS data centers, and relies on the physical and environmental controls put in place by AWS. Reciprocity reviews the AWS SOC 2, Type II report annually to identify any deficiencies, and tracks any identified deficiencies through to closure.
How does access control work?
Restrictions
Access to ZenGRC Storage is controlled by the ZenGRC application. If a user has access to an object in ZenGRC (such as an evidence Request), they have access to any files attached to that object.
Logging & Monitoring
Changes to ZenGRC objects are logged in the ZenGRC Events log. This includes updates such as metadata changes, as well as attaching evidence (files). Individual object history is visible to anyone with at least Reader permissions to that object, while Administrators have access to the system-wide event log.
Does anybody at Reciprocity have access to my ZenGRC Storage?
Yes. Your Customer Success Manager and GRC Expert may have access, since they are often granted access to your ZenGRC application. You can remove this access if you wish, by updating their permissions.
Reciprocity DevOps also has access to files in your ZenGRC storage, as they administer the AWS and S3 platforms. You can not remove this access if you use cloud-hosted ZenGRC. These DevOps users are trained on proper access procedures and policies, which include only accessing customer data in the course of troubleshooting or required maintenance duties.
Access Control Diagram
