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Heap Hardening Guide

Data Last updated: 2025-02-05

Digital insights platform hardening for Heap including SAML SSO, environment access, and data governance

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Overview

Heap is a digital insights platform providing autocapture analytics for product teams. As a platform collecting user interaction data automatically, Heap security configurations directly impact data privacy and analytics integrity.

Intended Audience

  • Security engineers managing analytics platforms
  • IT administrators configuring Heap
  • Product teams managing analytics
  • GRC professionals assessing data security

How to Use This Guide

  • L1 (Baseline): Essential controls for all organizations
  • L2 (Hardened): Enhanced controls for security-sensitive environments
  • L3 (Maximum Security): Strictest controls for regulated industries

Scope

This guide covers Heap security including SAML SSO, environment access, API security, and data governance.

Table of Contents

  1. Authentication & SSO
  2. Access Controls
  3. Data Security
  4. Compliance Quick Reference

1. Authentication & SSO

1.1 Configure SAML Single Sign-On

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 6.3, 12.5
NIST 800-53 IA-2, IA-8

Description

Configure SAML SSO to centralize authentication for Heap users.

Prerequisites

  • Heap admin access
  • Business or Enterprise plan
  • SAML 2.0 compatible IdP

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Access SSO Settings

  1. Navigate to: Account → Manage → SSO
  2. Enable SAML SSO

Step 2: Configure SAML

  1. Configure IdP settings:
    • SSO URL
    • Entity ID
    • Certificate
  2. Download Heap metadata for IdP

Step 3: Test and Enforce

  1. Test SSO authentication
  2. Enable SSO enforcement
  3. Configure admin fallback

Time to Complete: ~1-2 hours

1.2 Enforce Two-Factor Authentication

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 6.5
NIST 800-53 IA-2(1)

Description

Require 2FA for all Heap users.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Configure via IdP

  1. Enable MFA in identity provider
  2. All SSO users subject to IdP MFA
  3. Use phishing-resistant methods for admins

2. Access Controls

2.1 Configure User Roles

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 5.4
NIST 800-53 AC-6

Description

Implement least privilege using Heap roles.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Review Roles

  1. Navigate to: Account → Manage → Users
  2. Review available roles:
    • Owner
    • Admin
    • Architect
    • Analyst
    • Read-only
  3. Assign minimum necessary role

Step 2: Apply Least Privilege

  1. Use Read-only for most users
  2. Limit Architect/Admin access
  3. Regular access reviews

2.2 Configure Environment Access

Profile Level: L2 (Hardened)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 5.4
NIST 800-53 AC-6

Description

Control access to different environments.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Configure Environment Permissions

  1. Separate production and development
  2. Limit production environment access
  3. Restrict sensitive data environments

2.3 Limit Admin Access

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 5.4
NIST 800-53 AC-6(1)

Description

Minimize and protect administrator accounts.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Inventory Admins

  1. Review owner/admin accounts
  2. Document admin access
  3. Identify unnecessary privileges

Step 2: Apply Restrictions

  1. Limit owners to 2-3 users
  2. Require SSO for admins
  3. Monitor admin activity

3. Data Security

3.1 Configure Data Governance

Profile Level: L2 (Hardened)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 3.1
NIST 800-53 AC-3

Description

Implement data governance controls.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Configure Data Collection

  1. Review autocaptured data
  2. Block sensitive data capture
  3. Configure data redaction

Step 2: Configure Privacy Controls

  1. Enable PII protection
  2. Configure data masking
  3. Support deletion requests

4. Compliance Quick Reference

SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria Mapping

Control ID Heap Control Guide Section
CC6.1 SSO/2FA 1.1
CC6.2 User roles 2.1
CC6.7 Data governance 3.1

NIST 800-53 Rev 5 Mapping

Control Heap Control Guide Section
IA-2 SSO 1.1
AC-6 User roles 2.1

Appendix A: References

Official Heap Documentation:

API & Developer Tools:

Compliance Frameworks:

Security Incidents:

  • No major public security incidents identified as of February 2026.

Changelog

Date Version Maturity Changes Author
2025-02-05 0.1.0 draft Initial guide with SSO and access controls Claude Code (Opus 4.5)

Contributing

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