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