Security Checklist for QuickBooks Financial Data in MongoDB

  • 1. Field-Level Encryption (Mandatory)
    - Encrypt sensitive business metrics: revenue, profit, expenses, etc.
  • - Use AES-256 server-side encryption before saving to MongoDB.
  • - Store encryption keys securely using AWS KMS or HashiCorp Vault (never in code).

2. Restrict Database Access

  • - Host MongoDB inside a private VPC or internal subnet.
  • - Only allow backend (Node.js) to access the DB.
  • - Use IP whitelisting and enforce role-based DB access.

3. Secure Data in Transit

  • - Use TLS encryption between Node.js and MongoDB.
  • - Ensure all API traffic is HTTPS with TLS 1.2 or above.
  • - Enforce HSTS headers to force HTTPS.

4. Audit Logging & Access Tracking

  • - Track who accessed which QuickBooks data and when.
  • - Log admin/analyst access, downloads, and large queries.
  • - Store logs in AWS CloudWatch, ELK, or a SIEM system.

5. JWT & Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

  • - Use short-lived JWTs (15-30 mins).
  • - Include roles/permissions in tokens (e.g., canViewReports, isAdmin).
  • - Validate roles on the backend before sending financial data.

6. Secure Backups

  • - Enable automated daily MongoDB backups.
  • - Encrypt backups with AES-256.
  • - Store backups offsite (S3 or Glacier) with read-only lock.

7. No Raw File Uploads

  • - Avoid accepting raw QuickBooks exports unless properly authenticated.
  • - Log and monitor any upload or export action.

8. Frontend Display Protection

  • - Restrict financial data views by user roles.
  • - Mask sensitive data for low-privilege users.
  • - Prevent unauthorized drill-down or export actions.

Minimum Actions Summary

  • - Encrypt core financial fields.
  • - Keep MongoDB private and enforce access control.
  • - Use TLS for all services.
  • - Enable logging and monitoring.
  • - Implement short-lived JWTs with RBAC.