Boosting Cloud Security with Atlassian Guard: New Features, Use Cases, and Benefits
Brandon Davies
Atlassian Certified Expert at Elegance Group | MSc Computing at Cardiff University | Living and Creating Future Forward Solutions in Atlassian Tools
Introduction
In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are escalating, Atlassian Guard emerges as a critical solution for enterprises seeking to fortify their cloud security posture. With the launch of Guard Premium and enhanced capabilities for Guard Standard, Atlassian addresses the growing demand for granular controls, automated threat detection, and scalable access management. This article explores the latest features, their real-world applications, and the benefits they bring to organizations prioritizing security.
What is Atlassian Guard?
Atlassian Guard is a cloud security product suite designed to empower organizations with centralized visibility, policy enforcement, and threat detection across Atlassian ecosystems like Jira and Confluence. It offers two tiers:
Both tiers aim to streamline security workflows, reduce manual overhead, and protect sensitive data.
New Features in Atlassian Guard
More Granular classification policies
1. Org-Level Default Classification for Confluence (Premium)
What it does: Apply organization-wide data classification policies to Confluence, with exceptions for specific cases.
Use Case: A healthcare organization sets a default "Confidential" label for all Confluence pages, excluding public-facing documentation.
Benefit: Ensures consistent data governance while allowing flexibility, you can customised the tiers and criteria as you like, supported by templates to start.
Default classification levels can be set for individual spaces in Confluence and projects in Jira, or for all spaces in Confluence in your organization.
2. Block Anonymous Access to Classified Content (Standard)
Premium is needed to use classifications here but this can be managed with standard for general access.
What it does: Prevent anonymous users from viewing sensitive Confluence content marked with classification labels.
Use Case: Blocking external visitors from accessing financial reports and sensitive data in certain spaces
Benefit: Reduces exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized parties.
3. API Integration for Classification Labels in Jira and Confluence
Some useful API endpoints include:
What it does: Allows API integration for Data Classification levels in Confluence and Jira.
Use Case: Sync classification labels between Jira and third-party tools like Zscaler.
Benefit: Automating data classification labels and checking spaces or projects for details.
Expanded Detection Coverage
1. Jira Content Scanning (Premium)
What it does: Scans Jira issues for credentials, financial data, or identity information.
Use Case: Flagging accidental exposure of SSN details in a HR Confluence page
Benefit: Proactively mitigates insider threats and accidental leaks.
2. Detect Mobile App Policy Changes (Premium
What it does: Alerts admins to unexpected modifications in mobile security policies.
Use Case: Identifying unauthorized relaxation of app encryption settings or 2FA
Benefit: Prevents potential BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) vulnerabilities.
3. Detect API User Token Activity
What it does: Tracks token creation and revocation for audit trails.
Use Case: Investigating a breach by reviewing historical token usage.
Benefit: Enhances incident response and compliance reporting.
Automation & Remediation
1. Investigation & Remediation Automation Rules
Guard also now has automation integration to alert the required people in any preferred ways and quickly respond to any alerts.
What it does: Streamline alert remediations by automating the workflow for alerts with clear remediation processes
Use Case: Automatically restricting permissions when a leaked document is detected.
Benefit: Reduces mean time to resolution (MTTR) for security incidents.
2. Redact Sensitive Data in Confluence (Premium)
What it does: Permanently remove sensitive information (e.g., credit card numbers) from content.
Use Case: Complying with GDPR’s "right to be forgotten" requests.
Benefit: Simplifies compliance with data retention laws.
The above automation can also restrict the page temporarily and notify someone to investigation.
Key Updates to Atlassian Guard Standard
Protect user access and data with granular policies
1. Enforce SSO for External Users
What it does: Requires contractors or partners to authenticate via SSO before accessing content.
Use Case: Ensuring third-party vendors use company-approved identity providers.
Benefit: Restricts unauthorised external users accessing or leaking sensitive content.
2. Sync User Principal Name (UPN) Attributes
What it does: Sync Microsoft Entra UPNs instead of email addresses as user identifiers.
Use Case: Aligning user directories across hybrid Azure-Atlassian environments.
Benefit: Simplifies user management for enterprises who use Microsoft Entra
3. Multiple Mobile App Management (MAM) Policies
What it does: Apply different security rules (e.g., encryption, app tunneling) per mobile app.
Use Case: Enforcing stricter controls on Jira than on Confluence for field teams.
Benefit: Tailors security to app-specific risks.
Scalability & Flexibility
1. Public APIs for Policy Management
API's include Policies, Resources and Authentication Policies, full documentation can be found here.
What it does: Programmatically create, update, or activate data security policies.
Use Case: Integrating Guard policies into DevOps CI/CD pipelines.
Benefit: Accelerates policy deployment at scale.
2. SCIM Support for 500K Users
Finally ending with great news for large enterprises, no need to worry about hitting your limit now.
What it does: Automate user provisioning/deprovisioning for large enterprises.
Use Case: Managing access for a global workforce via identity providers like Okta.
Benefit: Supports rapid scaling without security gaps.
Use Cases & Benefits Across Industries
How to Get Started
Conclusion
Atlassian Guard’s latest updates reflect a commitment to empowering enterprises with proactive security controls, automation, and scalability. By integrating these features, organizations can mitigate risks, comply with regulations, and focus on innovation, without sacrificing safety.
Elegance Group - Atlassian Platinum Partner
Proudly sponsored by Elegance Group, a distinguished Atlassian partner recognised globally and awarded Partner of the Year in 2022 and still conducting elegant solutions.
For expert Licensing or Services from an acclaimed Atlassian Partner, reach out to Elegance Group. Book a meeting with us to enhance your business with our unparalleled Atlassian solutions.