Security & Data Protection

Your financial security is our top priority. We implement multiple layers of protection to keep your data safe.

🏦 Bank-Level Security Standards

AI Budget Coach follows the same security standards used by major financial institutions to protect your sensitive information.

How We Protect Your Banking Information

Secure Bank Connections with Plaid

We use Plaid Inc., a trusted financial technology company, to securely connect to your bank accounts. Plaid is used by thousands of financial apps and is trusted by major banks.

What this means for you:

• No credential storage: We never see or store your banking passwords
• Read-only access: We can only view your transactions, never move money
• Bank-grade security: Plaid uses the same security measures as your bank
• Instant revocation: You can disconnect accounts anytime

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

We require multi-factor authentication for:

• All production system access
• Administrative functions
• Access to financial data systems
• Employee accounts with sensitive permissions

AI Security & Privacy

OpenAI Integration

Our AI budget coach is powered by OpenAI's technology. Here's how we keep your data secure:

• Data minimization: We only send anonymized financial summaries, not raw account data
• No permanent storage: OpenAI doesn't store or train on your conversations
• Enterprise security: We use OpenAI's enterprise-grade security features
• Contextual coaching: AI insights are based on patterns, not specific account details

🏢 Infrastructure Security

Cloud Security

Our infrastructure is built on enterprise-grade cloud platforms with:

• Automatic security updates: Systems are kept current with latest security patches
• Network isolation: Production systems are separated from development environments
• Access controls: Strict role-based access with regular reviews
• Continuous monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring and threat detection

Data Storage & Backup

• Encrypted storage: All data at rest is encrypted using AES-256
• Geographic redundancy: Data is backed up across multiple secure locations
• Regular testing: Backup and recovery procedures are tested regularly
• Retention policies: Data is automatically deleted according to our privacy policy

👥 Team Security

Employee Access Controls

We maintain strict controls over who can access your data:

• Principle of least privilege: Team members only access data necessary for their role
• Background checks: All employees undergo security background verification
• Regular training: Ongoing security awareness and privacy training
• Access audits: Quarterly reviews of all system access permissions

Secure Development Practices

• Code reviews: All code changes undergo security review
• Vulnerability scanning: Regular automated security testing
• Dependency monitoring: Third-party libraries are continuously monitored for vulnerabilities
• Penetration testing: Regular security assessments by external experts

Mobile App Security

Device Protection

Your mobile app includes additional security features:

• Biometric authentication: Use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint unlock
• App lock: Automatic app locking after inactivity
• Certificate pinning: Protection against man-in-the-middle attacks
• Jailbreak detection: Enhanced security on compromised devices

Session Management

• Automatic logout: Sessions expire after inactivity
• Secure tokens: Authentication tokens are encrypted and short-lived
• Device registration: New devices require additional verification

Incident Response

Security Monitoring

We continuously monitor for security threats:

• Real-time alerts: Immediate notification of suspicious activity
• Anomaly detection: AI-powered detection of unusual patterns
• Log analysis: Comprehensive logging and analysis of all system activity
• Threat intelligence: Integration with leading security threat feeds

Incident Response Plan

In the unlikely event of a security incident:

• Immediate containment: Rapid response to limit any potential impact
• Investigation: Thorough analysis to understand and address root causes
• User notification: Prompt communication about any incidents affecting user data
• Regulatory compliance: Full compliance with all notification requirements

Security Certifications & Compliance

Industry Standards

We adhere to leading security frameworks:

• SOC 2 Type II: Annual compliance assessments
• ISO 27001: Information security management standards
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Comprehensive risk management
• OWASP: Application security best practices

Financial Regulations

• GLBA: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act financial privacy protection
• CCPA/CPRA: California privacy rights compliance
• GDPR: European data protection regulation (if applicable)
• PCI DSS: Payment card industry security standards

Transparency & Accountability

Regular Security Reviews

We maintain transparency through:

• Annual security reports: Public summary of our security posture
• Third-party audits: Independent verification of our security controls
• Bug bounty program: Rewards for responsible security researchers
• Open communication: Clear documentation of our security practices

Your Role in Security

Best Practices for Users

Help keep your account secure by:

• Using strong passwords: Choose unique, complex passwords
• Enabling biometrics: Use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint unlock
• Keeping apps updated: Install updates promptly
• Using secure networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities
• Monitoring accounts: Review your bank accounts regularly
• Reporting issues: Contact us immediately if you notice anything suspicious

📞 Security Contact

If you have security questions or need to report a security issue:

Security Promise

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This security information was last updated on September 27, 2025. We regularly review and update our security measures to stay ahead of emerging threats.