Security controls

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Security controls Device security for ServiceNow Mobile apps

    This document outlines security controls for ServiceNow mobile apps, enabling customers to implement restrictions on functionalities such as copy/paste, attachment access, and user authentication. These controls enhance the security posture of mobile applications in enterprise environments.

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    Key Features

    • Restrict Copy/Paste: Use the system property glide.sg.clearpasteboardwhenbackground to clear the clipboard when the app goes into the background.
    • Require App PIN: Enforce a six-digit PIN for user sign-in or after five minutes of inactivity using glide.sg.requiremobileapplicationpin.
    • Disable Attachments: Implement Access Control Lists (ACLs) to restrict attachment access on mobile devices by checking if a request is made from a mobile device using the isMobile method.
    • Blur App Option: Use the system property glide.sg.bluruiwhenbackgrounded to blur the app when not in focus, enhancing security on both iOS and Android devices.
    • Block Rooted/Jailbroken Devices: Prevent login from rooted or jailbroken mobile devices through the property glide.sg.allowrootedjailbrokendevices.
    • Penetration Testing: ServiceNow conducts annual penetration tests on mobile apps, with results available to customers.

    Key Outcomes

    By implementing these security controls, ServiceNow customers can significantly reduce risks associated with mobile app usage, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with organizational security policies. These measures not only enhance security but also improve user trust in mobile applications.

    Configure security controls to restrict copy/paste, enforce PIN, or block attachment functionality.

    Restrict copy/paste

    Copy/paste restrictions are defined in the system properties [sys_properties] table. There are two applicable security properties.

    glide.sg.clear_pasteboard_when_background: Clears the copy/paste clipboard when a ServiceNow app enters the background. For more information on clearing the clipboard, see Configure clear clipboard.

    Require an app PIN

    Require users to enter a six digit PIN each time they sign in from their mobile device, or when an app has been inactive for five minutes. Requiring an app PIN is controlled by the glide.sg.require_mobile_application_pin system property. For more information on requiring an app PIN, see Require an app PIN.

    Disabling attachments on a mobile device

    Use an ACL to block specific access on mobile. Use the isMobile method to check if a request comes from a mobile device. For example, you could add an ACL for the attachment [sys_attachment] table where the read and write scripted ACLs includes the following check. You can also add this code to any existing ACLs you have for the attachment table. If have multiple attachment ACLs, all of the need to have Admin override option unchecked.
    if( gs.isMobile() ){
     answer = false;
}
    Note:
    You need elevated privileges to create ACLs.

    Enable the blur app option

    Blur a mobile app when not in focus on a mobile device using the following system property in the system properties [sys_properties] table.

    glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded
    Important:
    • The glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded system property is supported on both iOS and Android devices.
    • By default, the value for this property is set to false, which turns it off.

    • For Android devices, when this property is enabled by setting the value to true, the following restrictions apply:

      • The screen share feature isn't supported and the shared app screen appears black.
      • Users are prevented from taking screenshots.

      These restrictions don't apply to iOS devices when the glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded property is enabled.

    For more information, see Configure the blur app option

    Block rooted and jailbroken devices

    To improve security on your mobile device, block the logging in of mobile apps when a rooted or jailbroken device is used. Use the following security property:

    glide.sg.allow_rooted_jailbroken_devices system

    For more information, see Configure the status for rooted and jailbroken devices.

    Penetration testing

    ServiceNow engages a third party to perform penetration testing of a mobile app. This typically happens annually but sometimes occurs more frequently. The results of these tests are available to customers on CORE. Customers can test the mobile application in conjunction with a pen test of their instance per the process outlined in KB0538598.