Security controls

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Security controls

    ServiceNow provides configurable security controls for mobile applications to enhance data protection and user authentication. These controls enable customers to restrict copy/paste actions, enforce PIN requirements, block attachments on mobile devices, blur app content when inactive, and prevent access from rooted or jailbroken devices. Additionally, ServiceNow conducts regular penetration testing to ensure mobile app security.

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    Key Features

    • Restrict Copy/Paste: Configure two system properties to control clipboard behavior, including automatic clearing of the clipboard when the app goes to the background, reducing data leakage risks.
    • Require an App PIN: Enforce a six-digit PIN for mobile sign-in or after five minutes of inactivity via a system property, strengthening user authentication on mobile devices.
    • Block Attachments on Mobile: Use Access Control Lists (ACLs) with the gs.isMobile() method to restrict attachment access (read/write) specifically on mobile devices. All attachment ACLs must have the Admin override option unchecked to be effective.
    • Enable Blur App Option: Blur the mobile app UI when it is not in focus by enabling a system property. This feature is supported on iOS and Android; on Android, it also disables screen sharing and screenshots for enhanced privacy.
    • Block Rooted and Jailbroken Devices: Prevent mobile app login from compromised devices by configuring a system property that blocks rooted or jailbroken devices, improving mobile security posture.
    • Penetration Testing: ServiceNow performs regular third-party penetration testing of the mobile app, with results accessible to customers. Customers can also coordinate pen testing of their instances alongside the mobile app for comprehensive security validation.

    Practical Benefits

    • Helps protect sensitive data on mobile devices by controlling clipboard and attachment access.
    • Enhances mobile user authentication through mandatory PIN entry.
    • Improves privacy and security by obscuring app content when inactive and restricting usage on compromised devices.
    • Supports compliance and risk management through regular penetration testing and customer access to test results.

    Configure security controls to restrict copy/paste, enforce PIN, or block attachment functionality.

    Restrict copy/paste

    Copy/paste restrictions are defined in the system properties [sys_properties] table. There are two applicable security properties.

    glide.sg.clear_pasteboard_when_background: Clears the copy/paste clipboard when a ServiceNow app enters the background. For more information on clearing the clipboard, see Configure clear clipboard.

    Require an app PIN

    Require users to enter a six digit PIN each time they sign in from their mobile device, or when an app has been inactive for five minutes. Requiring an app PIN is controlled by the glide.sg.require_mobile_application_pin system property. For more information on requiring an app PIN, see Require an app PIN.

    Disabling attachments on a mobile device

    Use an ACL to block specific access on mobile. Use the isMobile method to check if a request comes from a mobile device. For example, you could add an ACL for the attachment [sys_attachment] table where the read and write scripted ACLs includes the following check. You can also add this code to any existing ACLs you have for the attachment table. If have multiple attachment ACLs, all of the need to have Admin override option unchecked.
    if( gs.isMobile() ){
     answer = false;
}
    Note:
    You need elevated privileges to create ACLs.

    Enable the blur app option

    Blur a mobile app when not in focus on a mobile device using the following system property in the system properties [sys_properties] table.

    glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded
    Important:
    • The glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded system property is supported on both iOS and Android devices.
    • By default, the value for this property is set to false, which turns it off.

    • For Android devices, when this property is enabled by setting the value to true, the following restrictions apply:

      • The screen share feature isn't supported and the shared app screen appears black.
      • Users are prevented from taking screenshots.

      These restrictions don't apply to iOS devices when the glide.sg.blur_ui_when_backgrounded property is enabled.

    For more information, see Configure the blur app option

    Block rooted and jailbroken devices

    To improve security on your mobile device, block the logging in of mobile apps when a rooted or jailbroken device is used. Use the following security property:

    glide.sg.allow_rooted_jailbroken_devices system

    For more information, see Configure the status for rooted and jailbroken devices.

    Penetration testing

    ServiceNow engages a third party to perform penetration testing of a mobile app. This typically happens annually but sometimes occurs more frequently. The results of these tests are available to customers on CORE. Customers can test the mobile application in conjunction with a pen test of their instance per the process outlined in KB0538598.