Essentials of Workday integration security

Workday, a renowned Human Capital Management platform, provides robust security measures to ensure the safety of your data. In this article, we'll delve into the principles of Workday security, specifically tailored for integrations. This comprehensive overview covers Integration System Users (ISUs), Security Groups (ISSGs), access control, and best practices. By understanding these elements, you can fortify your Workday environment and protect your organization's critical information effectively.

Integration System Users (ISUs)

When it comes to securing Workday integrations, one of the first steps is the creation of Integration System Users (ISUs). These specialized accounts, often referred to as robot accounts, are dedicated to handling specific integration tasks. By assigning distinct ISUs to various integration processes, you can compartmentalize and control access to your data effectively.

Integration Security Groups (ISSGs)

Enhancing security within Workday integrations is further managed through Integration Security Groups (ISSGs). ISSGs come in various types, each tailored to a specific set of permissions. Understanding these different types and their purposes is essential:

• Get and Put Access: ISSGs determine who can access and modify data through web service operations, providing granular control over integration tasks
• Web Services: These groups define permissions related to web service operations, a vital component of data retrieval and manipulation
• API: Workday's API security settings are crucial for safeguarding data during integrations
• Schedules: Integration schedules tied to ISUs play a pivotal role in maintaining data security by controlling when and how integration tasks are executed

It's advisable to create separate ISSGs as per your integration requirements to maintain a clear and secure access structure.

Access to Systems and Output

Workday offers a range of security domains to secure access to integration templates and integration systems. These domains separate the permissions needed to configure an integration from those required to run it and view its output. For instance, when configuring an integration, Workday displays options based on the permissions of the person configuring the integration rather than the ISU account running it.

Additionally, access to Workday data through integrations, whether via web service operations or reports, is managed through specific security domains. It's imperative to ensure that your integration accounts have the necessary access rights to these domains, encompassing web service operations, report data sources, report fields, and custom reports.

Access to External Endpoints

Workday provides encryption, decryption, and signature options using technologies like PGP and X.509 for secure communication with external endpoints. These measures ensure that data transmitted between Workday and external systems remains confidential and tamper-proof.

Best Security Practices

In addition to configuring ISUs, ISSGs, and access controls, there are several best practices to enhance Workday security:

• Enforce Stronger Passwords: Implement advanced password algorithms to ensure robust authentication.
• Avoid Sharing Authentication Details: Encourage users not to share email addresses and passwords to prevent security breaches.
• Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance login security by requiring both a password and a unique login code.
• Monitor Active Sessions: Keep track of active sessions and terminate suspicious ones.
• Review Account Activity: Regularly review account activity history to detect any unauthorized actions.
• Consider Single Sign-On (SSO): Implement SSO for unified access management.
• Revoke Shared Dashboards: Disable access to shared dashboards in case of security breaches.
• Review Access Control Settings: Periodically review user access rights to maintain an updated security structure.

Note on Security Domains

Depending on your integration type (Connectors, Studio integrations, EIBs), specific security domains and policies apply. Be sure to align your security measures with the integration type you're working with.

In conclusion, Workday offers a comprehensive security framework for robust data protection in your Workday environment. By employing best practices and understanding the nuances of ISUs, ISSGs, and security domains, you can ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your organization's critical information. To learn more, contact me via the form above. Let´s discuss how me and my team could help you to stay secure with Workday's powerful security features.