Security and Privacy Design

:::tip

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:

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:

flowchart TD
    A("Your System") -->|"Collect metrics and logs"| B("Netdata Agent")
    B --> C("Observability Data
Stored locally")
    B --> D("Observability Metadata
securely routed to Cloud")
    D --> E("Cloud dashboards, routing
& notifications")

    %% Style definitions
    classDef alert fill:#ffeb3b,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#000000,font-size:14px
    classDef neutral fill:#f9f9f9,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#000000,font-size:14px
    classDef complete fill:#4caf50,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#000000,font-size:14px
    classDef database fill:#2196F3,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#000000,font-size:14px

    %% Apply styles
    class A alert
    class B neutral
    class C complete
    class D,E database

:::tip

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

:::tip

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.

:::tip

Contact Netdata Support to request a DPA.

:::

Data Transfers

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:

:::tip

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.

• 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

:::tip

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:

:::tip

Need additional security configurations? Contact Netdata Support.

:::

Standards Alignment

:::tip

View Netdata's security certifications, compliance reports, and audit documentation at our Trust Center.

:::

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.

:::tip

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.

:::tip

Request a BAA through Netdata Support if required.

:::

SOC 2 Compliance

Netdata achieved SOC2 Type 2 compliance for these Service Criteria:

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.

:::tip

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.