Security Policy
Last Updated: November 1, 2024
1. Introduction
This comprehensive security policy establishes the framework for protecting Gut Vitality's information assets, customer data, and system infrastructure. Our approach implements multiple layers of security controls to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all systems and data, with particular emphasis on Amazon SP-API integration and customer information protection.
This policy applies to all systems, personnel, and processes that constitute our business operations. It reflects our commitment to maintaining robust security measures while ensuring efficient business operations and regulatory compliance.
We're committed to ensuring your data is protected.
2. Infrastructure Security
Our infrastructure security architecture leverages AWS services and security best practices to create a robust, multi-layered defense system.
2.1 AWS Infrastructure
Our cloud infrastructure is built on AWS, implementing security at every layer:
Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
Our VPC architecture implements strict network isolation and security:
- Private Subnets
Database servers and internal services are hosted in private subnets, completely isolated from direct internet access. Access is strictly controlled through VPC endpoints and NAT gateways.
- Public Subnets
Web application components are hosted in public subnets with strictly controlled access through load balancers and security groups. All public-facing services implement multiple security layers.
- Network ACLs
Stateless packet filtering at the subnet level provides an additional layer of network security, with explicit allow/deny rules for all traffic.
- VPC Flow Logging
Comprehensive network flow logging enables security monitoring, forensic investigation, and compliance auditing of all network traffic.
Database Security
Our database infrastructure implements comprehensive security measures:
- PostgreSQL RDS
Database instances are configured with encryption at rest using AES-256 through AWS KMS. All database operations are logged and monitored for security events.
- Key Management
Encryption keys are managed through AWS KMS with automatic rotation and strict access controls. Key usage is logged and audited regularly.
- Backup Security
Automated backups are encrypted and stored in secure S3 buckets with versioning enabled. Access to backups is strictly controlled and logged.
- Point-in-Time Recovery
Continuous backup enables point-in-time recovery capabilities while maintaining data security through encryption and access controls.
Web Application Security
Our web application layer implements multiple security controls:
- WAF Protection
AWS WAF provides protection against common web exploits, with custom rules for application-specific threats. Rules are regularly updated based on threat intelligence.
- DDoS Protection
AWS Shield and proper architectural design provide protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks at both network and application layers.
- SSL/TLS Security
All communications are encrypted using TLS 1.2 or higher. Certificates are managed through AWS Certificate Manager with automatic renewal.
- Security Updates
Regular security patches and updates are applied through automated processes with proper testing and validation procedures.
3. Access Control
Our access control framework implements the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users and systems have only the minimum necessary access required for their functions.
3.1 Authentication Requirements
Password Policy
Our password requirements ensure strong authentication:
- Minimum Length
Passwords must be at least 10 characters long to provide adequate entropy against brute force attacks.
- Complexity Requirements
Passwords must contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to ensure complexity.
- Password History
Previous passwords cannot be reused for a defined period to prevent password recycling.
- Failed Attempts
Accounts are temporarily locked after multiple failed login attempts to prevent brute force attacks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is required for enhanced security:
- Administrative Access
All administrative access requires MFA verification using approved authenticator applications.
- AWS Console Access
Access to AWS management console requires MFA, with hardware tokens for highest-privilege accounts.
- Sensitive Operations
Critical operations require additional MFA verification regardless of initial authentication status.
3.2 Authorization Controls
Authorization is managed through multiple mechanisms:
- Role-Based Access
Access permissions are assigned based on job roles, with regular reviews and updates as roles change.
- Principle of Least Privilege
Users are granted minimum necessary permissions to perform their job functions, with additional access requiring explicit approval.
- Access Reviews
Regular reviews of access permissions ensure appropriate access levels are maintained and unnecessary access is revoked.
- Activity Logging
All access attempts and changes to access controls are logged and monitored for security analysis.
4. Network Security
4.1 Network Controls
Our network security implements defense in depth with multiple control layers:
- Firewall Configuration
Multiple firewall layers provide comprehensive traffic filtering: - Security groups for instance-level control - Network ACLs for subnet-level protection - WAF rules for application-specific threats - Regular rule review and updates
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
Continuous network monitoring using: - AWS GuardDuty for threat detection - Custom monitoring rules for application-specific threats - Real-time alerting for suspicious activities - Regular signature updates
- Network Monitoring
Comprehensive monitoring includes: - Real-time traffic analysis - Bandwidth utilization tracking - Anomaly detection - Performance metrics collection
- Traffic Filtering
Multi-layer traffic control including: - Protocol validation - Port restrictions - IP whitelisting - Rate limiting
4.2 Encryption
Data encryption is implemented at multiple levels to ensure comprehensive protection:
- Transport Layer Security
All external communications use TLS 1.2 or higher with: - Strong cipher suites - Perfect forward secrecy - Certificate pinning - Regular security assessment
- Data Encryption
Information is protected using AES-256 encryption: - Database encryption at rest - File system encryption - Backup encryption - Key rotation policies
- Key Management
Encryption keys are managed through AWS KMS: - Automated key rotation - Access logging - Audit trails - Emergency access procedures
5. Application Security
5.1 Development Security
Security is integrated throughout the development lifecycle:
- Secure Coding Practices
Development follows established security guidelines: - Input validation - Output encoding - Authentication checks - Authorization controls - Error handling - Logging standards
- Code Review
Mandatory security review process: - Peer code reviews - Static code analysis - Dependency scanning - Security testing requirements
- Vulnerability Management
Continuous security assessment: - Automated scanning - Regular penetration testing - Dependency updates - Security patch management
5.2 Runtime Security
Application runtime environment is protected through multiple security layers:
- Input Validation
Comprehensive input validation: - Type checking - Format validation - Size limits - Character filtering
- Session Management
Secure session handling: - Encrypted session tokens - Timeout controls - Invalid session cleanup - Session fixation protection
- Error Handling
Secure error management: - Custom error pages - Log sanitization - Debug information control - Error monitoring
6. Monitoring and Alerting
6.1 Security Monitoring
Comprehensive monitoring ensures security visibility:
- CloudWatch Integration
AWS CloudWatch provides: - Metric collection - Log aggregation - Alert generation - Dashboard visualization
- Audit Logging
Comprehensive logging includes: - Access attempts - System changes - Security events - Performance metrics
- Security Analytics
Advanced analysis capabilities: - Pattern detection - Threat analysis - Compliance monitoring - Performance tracking
6.2 Alert Management
Structured approach to security alerts:
- Alert Classification
Tiered alert system: - Critical: Immediate response required - High: 1-hour response time - Medium: 4-hour response time - Low: 24-hour response time
- Response Procedures
Defined response protocols: - Alert verification - Impact assessment - Response initiation - Escalation procedures
7. Change Management
Controlled process for system changes:
- Change Control Process
Structured change management: - Change request documentation - Risk assessment - Testing requirements - Approval workflows - Implementation procedures - Rollback plans
- Release Management
Controlled deployment process: - Version control - Deployment automation - Testing environment - Production controls - Post-deployment verification
8. Contact Information
For security-related matters, contact:
Dr. Adam Dalton
Chief Technical Officer
Gut Vitality
Email: security@gut-vitality.com
Emergency Contact:
- Security Incidents: security@gut-vitality.com (24/7 monitoring)
- System Emergencies: emergency@gut-vitality.com
- Amazon SP-API Incidents: Immediate notification to security@amazon.com