Trello implements multiple security layers to protect sensitive project data, combining technical safeguards with user-controlled privacy features. The platform uses industry-standard encryption (TLS for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest) and maintains rigorous compliance certifications including SOC2 Type 2, ISO/IEC 27001, FedRAMP, and PCI-DSS ^[1][7]. For enterprise users, Trello offers advanced controls like Mobile Device Management (MDM), Single Sign-On (SSO), and Two-Step Verification (2SV) to prevent unauthorized access ^[2]. Privacy settings allow granular control over board visibility, with options for private workspaces and authenticated attachments ^[4]. However, security also depends on user practices—incidents like the 2024 breach exposing 15 million user records highlight the need for strong passwords, 2FA, and careful management of public boards ^[3].

• Encryption & Compliance: Uses TLS/AES-256 encryption and holds SOC2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, and PCI-DSS certifications [1][7]
• Access Controls: Enterprise features include SSO, 2FA, MDM, and centralized admin dashboards [2]
• Privacy Settings: Three visibility tiers (Public/Private/Workspace) and private workspaces hidden from search [4]
• Incident Response: Regular vulnerability scans, bug bounty program, and post-breach measures like API restrictions [1][3]

Trello’s Security Framework for Sensitive Data

Technical Safeguards and Compliance Standards

Trello’s security infrastructure relies on encryption, secure hosting, and third-party audits to protect data. The platform encrypts all communications using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and stores data at rest with 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), upgraded to AES-256 in later implementations ^[1][4]. Hosting on Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides additional physical and network security layers, with Trello maintaining separate environments for production, staging, and development to isolate sensitive data [1]. Compliance certifications validate these measures:

• SOC2 Type 2 and SOC3: Verifies controls for security, availability, and confidentiality ^[7]
• ISO/IEC 27001: International standard for information security management [1]
• FedRAMP Authorization: Meets U.S. federal government security requirements [1][7]
• PCI-DSS: Ensures secure handling of payment card data [1]
• GDPR Compliance: Supports Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) and Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) for EU users ^[10]

Trello also conducts regular vulnerability scans and operates a bug bounty program via BugCrowd to identify and patch weaknesses [1][7]. The 2024 breach, which exposed 15 million records through an unsecured API, prompted Trello to restrict unauthenticated access and enhance API protocols ^[3]. Post-incident, the company committed to AI-based anomaly detection and stricter encryption for user data [3].

User-Controlled Privacy and Access Management

While Trello’s technical safeguards provide a secure foundation, the platform’s privacy features empower users to protect sensitive project data through configurable settings. Three core visibility options determine who can access boards:

• Public: Visible to anyone with the link and indexable by search engines
• Workspace-visible: Restricted to members of the same Trello workspace
• Private: Accessible only to explicitly invited users ^[4][5]

For enterprises, additional controls include:

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Prevents unauthorized actions like copying, pasting, or screenshotting sensitive data from mobile devices ^[2]
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Centralizes authentication through providers like Okta or Google, reducing password-related risks [2]
• Two-Step Verification (2SV): Requires a secondary code (via SMS or authenticator apps) for logins [2][3]
• Authenticated Attachments: Ensures only authorized users can open shared files [2]
• Automated User Provisioning: Syncs with HR systems to grant/revoke access automatically when employees join or leave [2]

Despite these tools, user error remains a risk. A 2023 analysis by CybelAngel found that 1 in 5 public Trello boards contained sensitive information like API keys or internal credentials, often due to misconfigured privacy settings ^[9]. Trello mitigates this by:

• Hiding private boards from search results [4]
• Offering "initial-only" avatars to limit personal data exposure [4]
• Providing admin dashboards to monitor board activity [2]

Experts recommend combining Trello’s features with organizational policies, such as:

• Mandating 2FA for all accounts [3][5]
• Restricting public board creation to admins [9]
• Using third-party tools like Bridge24 for advanced audit logs [4]
• Training teams on data classification (e.g., avoiding password storage in cards) [5]^[6]

Limitations and Best Practices for Highly Sensitive Data

Trello’s security measures are robust for general project management but have limitations for highly regulated industries. While the platform encrypts data in transit and at rest, a 2016 Stack Exchange discussion noted that Trello did not encrypt data "on disk" at the time, though later updates introduced AES-256 for stored data [6]. For comparison:

• Password Managers: Dedicated tools like 1Password or LastPass use zero-knowledge encryption, where even the provider cannot access stored credentials [6]
• Enterprise Alternatives: Platforms like Jira (also by Atlassian) offer granular permission schemes for software development workflows ^[8]

Best practices to enhance security on Trello include:

• Avoid Storing Credentials: Never save passwords, API keys, or financial details in cards, even on private boards [5][6]
• Enable Enterprise Features: Use SSO, 2FA, and MDM for teams handling sensitive data [2]
• Regular Audits: Review board memberships and attachment permissions quarterly [8]
• Limit Third-Party Integrations: Disable unnecessary Power-Ups (Trello’s plugins) to reduce attack surfaces [5]
• Leverage Atlassian Access: For organizations using multiple Atlassian products, this adds centralized policy enforcement [7]

For GDPR compliance, Trello provides tools like manual data deletion and DSAR support, but users must:

• Sign a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Atlassian ^[10]
• Configure retention policies to auto-delete old boards [10]
• Restrict EU personal data storage to necessary use cases [10]