---
sourceDocument: Australia Platform security
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/platform-security

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Platform security

ft:clusterId :

    - psec

bundleId :

    - psec

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Security data filters

# Security data filters {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Summarize  
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This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.  

## Summary of Security Data Filters

Security data filters are designed to restrict access to records based on user roles or security attributes before a query is executed, ensuring that sensitive data does not leave the database.
This proactive security measure contrasts with conditional ACLs, which filter data after a query, potentially exposing unauthorized information.
Show full answer Show less  

## Key Features

* Applied during the query process, ensuring restricted data remains secure.
* Filters use an AND condition both with the query and among themselves.
* Not evaluated by canRead, making them distinct from other access control mechanisms.
* Scoping rules are based on the target table's scope, not on ScopeMaster or sysscope.
* Typically enforced after absolute and row ACLs, with default application impacting system behavior.
* Applicable only to specific query types: GlideRecordSecure, GlideRecordSandbox, and GlideAggregateSandbox.
* New APIs (enableSecurityFeature and disableSecurityFeature) allow for dynamic control of security filters in scripts.

## Key Outcomes

Implementing security data filters effectively prevents sensitive data from being exposed, suppresses security-related error messages, and safeguards against data leakage through reports. However, they should not replace ACLs, be used for visibility control, or be applied to unindexed columns. For optimal performance and security, ensure that filters are used judiciously, particularly in user-facing queries not utilizing GlideRecordSecure.  
Security data filters restrict access to records based on role, or security-attribute related assertions.

## Exploring security data filters {#security-data-filters__section_bbd_bc1_b2c}

Security data filters enable access restriction to records based on a users' role, or other security attribute related assertions. Security data filters ensure only authorized users can view records regardless of how data is
accessed.  
Security data filters are applied before a query is executed so restricted data never leaves the database. In contrast [conditional ACLs](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Hi4a7ZI7SruBj5ML5waM_g "Access control lists (ACLs) restrict access to data by requiring users to pass a set of requirements before they can interact with it.") filter data after a query is executed possibly leaking data.  
Note:  
Pair security data filters with [Deny-Unless ACL](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/FIh1RQ1IWa6Nt5MDmY5hlA "Learn details about Deny-Unless ACLs.") to ensure consistent security

## Features of security data filters {#security-data-filters__section_umz_dc1_b2c}

The key features of security data filters are:

* Security data filters are applied in-query.
* Security data filter conditions AND to the query on the target table and with each other.
* Security data filters are not checked by `canRead`. See [When to use security data filters](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/S8xhdRADFYFQZ7UbXc463g#security-data-filters__section_dqx_2c1_b2c) for more details
* Data filter scoping rules are based on the scope of the table, data filters do not follow ScopeMaster or sys_scope scope rules
{#security-data-filters__ul_n2r_sh1_b2c}

## Security data filter application and enforcement {#security-data-filters__section_wrk_ph1_b2c}

Generally security data filters are applied after absolute ACLs (also called table-level ACLs), and after row ACLs. Security data filters are applied by default, and impact system behavior if not used carefully. See [Default security filters](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/flL6nNzYsr6BsbYYIR_u0Q "Generally data filters are applied after absolute ACLs (also sometimes called table-level ACLs), and after row-level ACLs. They are applied by default, and can be impactful to system behavior if not used carefully.") for a list of the default security data filters.  
Security data filters are applied only to GlideRecordSecure, GlideRecordSandbox and GlideAggregateSandbox queries by default. There are two new GlideRecord APIs `enableSecurityFeature` and `disableSecurityFeature` that can be used in both Java and server-side scripts to enable or disable data filters for a specific query.  
Important:  
You should explicitly enable data filters for user-facing queries that are not using GlideRecordSecure.

## When to use security data filters {#security-data-filters__section_dqx_2c1_b2c}

Security data filters are best suited to:

* Prevent sensitive data from leaving the database
* Suppress the "rows hidden by security" message
* Prevent sensitive data from leaking through reports
{#security-data-filters__ul_avs_p31_b2c}

## When not to use security data filters {#security-data-filters__section_bgh_k3r_c2c}

Security data filters should not be used:

* As visibility control
* As replacement for ACLs
* With a large number of filter conditions
* On unindexed columns
{#security-data-filters__ul_ym5_l3r_c2c}

## Security data filter behavior {#security-data-filters__section_shr_phr_c2c}

Multiple security data filters combine together for evaluation, like an `AND` combines operands. As an example,given three security data filters:

* Filter 1: \`active=true
* Filter 2: `priority=1`
* Filter 3: `state=open`

{#security-data-filters__ul_ulb_tkr_c2c}And an initial query:

    SELECT * FROM task WHERE state != closed AND active = true AND
            priority = 1

The final query is:

    SELECT * FROM task WHERE state != closed
            AND active = true AND priority = 1 AND state = open

See the diagram below for a visual representation of this example:

One important difference in how security data filters and ACLs are applied is, data filters on a child table do not apply to the parent table when data is queried from the parent table. Add a data filter on both child and parent
tables to restrict access to records in the parent table. The diagram below highlights the hierarchy:  
Note:  
A common solution for this is to add a data filter on the parent that completely hides child records in the parent table.
Data filters are applied with scoping rules similar to ACLs, but with some key differences because data filters apply before-query.