#Security & Compliance Best Practices Guide
Security and compliance are foundational to reliable test management. This guide outlines practical best practices to help teams protect sensitive information, control access, and maintain traceability using Hawzu’s built-in capabilities.
#Data Protection
- Avoid storing passwords, tokens, or secrets directly in test cases
- Use Parameters for environment-specific or sensitive values
- Never hardcode credentials in steps or descriptions
- Mask or sanitize screenshots before attaching them to executions or defects
- Avoid copying production data unless explicitly approved
Sensitive data should be abstracted, not embedded.
#Test Data Discipline
- Use synthetic or anonymized test data whenever possible
- Clearly label any data that mirrors production structures
- Document data assumptions in test case descriptions
- Regularly review test cases for outdated or exposed information
#Access Control & Permissions
#Role-Based Access
- Assign workspace and project roles based on responsibility
- Use read-only roles for stakeholders who don’t need edit access
- Avoid granting administrative roles by default
- Review role assignments periodically
Access should reflect intent, not convenience.
#Group-Based Access Management
- Use Groups to manage access at scale
- Assign project roles to groups instead of individuals where possible
- Keep group purposes clearly documented
- Remove users from groups when responsibilities change
#Access Tokens
- Use access tokens only for automation and integrations
- Scope tokens to required projects and roles
- Rotate tokens periodically
- Revoke tokens immediately if compromised or unused
Tokens should never replace user accounts.
#Execution & Audit Traceability
#Execution History
Hawzu automatically maintains execution history through:
- Test runs and releases
- Execution status changes
- Defect creation from executions
Do not overwrite or delete execution data unless absolutely necessary.
#Release Discipline
- Use releases to create clear audit boundaries
- Avoid mixing unrelated test runs under the same release
- Keep release timelines accurate
- Archive completed releases instead of deleting them
Releases serve as historical records, not just planning tools.
#Defect Traceability
#Linking & Context
- Always link defects to executions when possible
- Preserve execution context when creating defects
- Avoid editing defect history to “clean up” past decisions
- Use severity and priority consistently
Traceability strengthens accountability.
#Documentation & Compliance Readiness
#Record Keeping
- Maintain consistent naming conventions
- Avoid deleting test cases that were executed in past releases
- Use descriptions to document intent and scope
- Prefer deprecation over deletion for shared artifacts
Historical accuracy matters more than visual cleanliness.
#Regulatory Awareness
While Hawzu does not enforce compliance rules automatically:
- Use traceability features to support audits
- Maintain execution and defect history
- Align internal processes with applicable regulations (ISO, SOC, etc.)
- Use exports when formal documentation is required
Hawzu provides structure — compliance comes from process discipline.
#Integrations & External Systems
#Safe Integration Practices
- Use separate configurations for each external system
- Avoid sharing credentials across environments
- Restrict integrations to required projects only
- Treat external systems as references, not sources of truth
Hawzu remains the system of record.
#Common Security Pitfalls to Avoid
- ❌ Storing secrets in test steps
- ❌ Over-permissioning users or groups
- ❌ Sharing access tokens across tools
- ❌ Deleting historical execution data
- ❌ Mixing environments without clear separation
#Summary
Strong security and compliance in Hawzu come from:
- Intentional access control
- Careful handling of sensitive data
- Consistent traceability
- Disciplined execution and release management
Hawzu gives you the structure — following these practices ensures trust, accountability, and long-term reliability.