When a company decides to take the step toward automation, an inevitable and necessary question arises: is my data safe? By using Zapier, we are connecting applications that contain critical information, from customer contact details to financial and billing data. At Aufiero Informática, we know that trust is the foundation of any digital transformation process. Therefore, in this article, we take an in-depth look at Zapier’s security protocols and how you can ensure your workflow meets the highest standards of protection.
Zapier’s commitment to data protection
Zapier is not just a connectivity tool; it is a platform designed with an enterprise-grade security approach. The platform understands that it acts as a bridge, and as such, it must be unbreakable. To achieve this, Zapier implements multiple security layers that protect information as it travels from one application to another.
Contrary to what many believe, Zapier does not “store” your data permanently by default. Its function is to act as a conduit. Once data passes from the source application to the destination through a Zap, the information is purged from its active servers, minimizing the exposure surface in the event of an incident.
Certifications and international compliance
The platform complies with top-tier international standards, ensuring it can be used by companies in highly regulated sectors. Zapier holds SOC 2 (Type II) and SOC 3 certification, proving that its security, availability, and confidentiality controls are externally and rigorously audited. Furthermore, it complies with the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), ensuring the ethical and legal handling of personal information.
Technical security mechanisms in automation
For the more technical profiles and IT managers who trust Aufiero Informática, it is important to break down what happens “under the hood” when a Zap runs.
Data encryption in transit and at rest
All communication between your applications and Zapier is conducted through secure connections using the HTTPS protocol. This means data is encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security) while traveling across the web. Even when data must be temporarily stored to process a task, it is encrypted using the AES-256 standard, the same level of security used by banking institutions.
Secure credential management
One of the biggest concerns is how Zapier accesses your accounts. The platform mostly uses OAuth for connections. This method allows you to give Zapier permission to perform specific actions without the platform ever knowing or storing your actual password. In cases where OAuth is not available, credentials are stored in isolated and encrypted databases.
Best practices to maximize security in your Zaps
Although the platform is inherently secure, how we configure the automations also influences the level of protection. At Aufiero Informática, we follow strict protocols during implementation for our clients.
The principle of least privilege
When connecting an application, we always recommend granting only the necessary permissions for the specific task. If a Zap only needs to read emails to extract a piece of data, we should not grant write or delete permissions if the application allows it. Limiting the scope of the integration is the first line of defense.
Use of two-factor authentication (2FA)
It is imperative that all Zapier accounts have two-factor authentication activated. This adds a critical security layer: even if someone managed to obtain your access credentials, they could not enter the platform without the physical code from your mobile device.
Monitoring and auditing Zaps
Zapier offers detailed logs of every task executed. It is essential to periodically review the task history to detect unusual behavior. In our implementations for companies, we establish automatic alerts that notify the technical team if a Zap fails repeatedly or if it detects unusual data volumes.
How Aufiero Informática protects your automated infrastructure
We understand that for an SME or a large company, cybersecurity is no small matter. That is why our Zapier consulting service is not limited to connecting applications; it is about building resilient digital ecosystems.
Initial security audit
Before creating the first Zap, we analyze what type of data will be moved. We identify if there is health, financial, or personally identifiable information (PII) to apply additional security filters or data masks that protect privacy at all times.
Private Zaps and controlled environments
For companies with extreme security requirements, we help configure environments where data is even more segregated, ensuring that the information flow complies with the company’s internal policies and local legal frameworks.
Automation is the engine of modern growth, and with the right measures, it is a process as secure as it is efficient. Relying on experts to configure these tools is the best investment for peace of mind while your business works on its own.
