Is Notion Secure? A Complete Look At Safety Features

Table of contents

• Understanding Notion’s security framework
• Hosting and infrastructure security
• Data encryption standards
• Compliance certifications
• Key security features in Notion
• 1. Account protection
• 2. Access controls and permissions
• 3. Audit and monitoring tools
• 4. Disaster recovery and backups
• Potential vulnerabilities and security risks
• Misconfigurations and accidental data exposure
• Credential-related risks
• Third-party integrations
• Specific known vulnerabilities
• Common mistakes that weaken Notion security
• Storing sensitive data like passwords in Notion
• Over-sharing and granting full access unnecessarily
• Neglecting 2FA or relying on SMS codes
• Failing to review connected integrations
• How secure is Notion for business use
• Best practices to keep your Notion workspace secure
• 1. Strengthen account-level security
• 2. Manage permissions with care
• 3. Train your team
• 4. Vet and limit integrations
• 5. Regular workspace security audits
• FAQs
• 1. Is Notion encrypted end-to-end?
• 2. Can Notion employees see my data?
• 3. Is Notion safe for storing passwords?
• 4. What happens to my data if I leave Notion?
• 5. How often should I review Notion permissions?
• So is Notion really safe and secure?
• How Super can make your Notion site more secure and trusted
• Custom domains with SSL encryption
• Improved brand credibility
• Easy domain management
• SEO and discoverability benefits

Notion has become a go-to platform for millions of people who want an all-in-one space for notes, projects, and collaboration. From freelancers building personal dashboards to large teams running entire workflows, its flexibility makes it stand out in the productivity space. With templates for almost any use case and the ability to customize nearly every detail, it’s no surprise that businesses and individuals rely on it daily.

But with so much sensitive information stored inside, from internal documents to client data, the question remains: is Notion secure enough to protect what matters most? The truth is that productivity is only part of the equation. Security plays an equally important role, especially for organizations that need to meet strict compliance requirements or individuals who value privacy.

In this article, we’ll explore how secure is Notion by looking at its built-in safety measures, potential risks, and proven best practices for keeping your data safe. We’ll also address specific questions along the way. You’ll learn where Notion’s responsibilities end and where yours begin, a concept known as the shared responsibility model. In short, Notion safeguards the infrastructure; you control the security of your workspace.

Understanding Notion’s security framework

Notion takes a multi-layered approach to protecting user data, combining infrastructure safeguards, encryption, compliance standards, and operational policies. At its core, the platform focuses on ensuring that information is stored securely and remains available to authorized users while preventing unauthorized access.

One important concept to grasp is the shared responsibility model. In simple terms, Notion is responsible for keeping its systems and infrastructure secure, while you (the user) are responsible for configuring your workspace in a way that protects your own data. For example, Notion manages the servers and encryption methods, but you control who has access to your pages, what information is shared publicly, and how permissions are set.

Hosting and infrastructure security

All Notion data is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud provider known for its high security standards and reliability. AWS data centers have multiple layers of protection, including physical barriers, access controls, and 24/7 surveillance. This means your data is stored in facilities built to prevent both physical and digital breaches.

To keep sites responsive and safe from certain online threats, Notion also uses Cloudflare, which helps with content delivery and shields against issues like distributed denial-of-service attacks. Additionally, customer data is separated into different production environments, ensuring that development and testing activities do not interfere with live, user-facing systems.

Data encryption standards

So, is Notion encrypted and is Notion data encrypted? The answer is yes, but with some details worth noting. All customer data is encrypted at rest using the AES-256 standard, which is one of the strongest encryption methods used in the industry. This means that if someone gained unauthorized access to the storage systems, the information would be unreadable without the encryption keys.

When data moves between your device and Notion’s servers, it is protected using TLS 1.2 or higher. This prevents interception by encrypting the data while in transit. However, Notion does not use end-to-end encryption, which means that while your data is encrypted during storage and transmission, it is technically accessible to Notion under strict, limited circumstances (such as troubleshooting or recovery with your permission).

Compliance certifications

Notion has achieved several recognized certifications that demonstrate its commitment to security and compliance. These include SOC 2 Type 2, which verifies that Notion meets specific trust service criteria for security, availability, and confidentiality.

The platform also holds ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications. These standards cover information security management, privacy information management, cloud security controls, and protection of personally identifiable information in cloud environments.

For industries with strict regulatory requirements, Notion offers HIPAA compliance (with a signed Business Associate Agreement), allowing healthcare organizations to store certain types of protected health information. It also meets PCI DSS standards for handling payment data, BSI C5 for German federal cloud compliance, and K-FSI for financial sector cloud safety in Korea.

These certifications matter because they provide independent verification that Notion has the necessary controls to handle sensitive data responsibly. For organizations evaluating is Notion secure for business, these credentials can be an important factor in making a confident decision.

Key security features in Notion

Notion offers several built-in protections that help safeguard your information from unauthorized access or accidental loss. These features work together to create a safer environment, but their effectiveness depends on how they are configured and used.

1. Account protection

Securing your account starts with strong authentication. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra step to the login process, requiring both your password and a verification code from an authenticator app or text message. This extra layer can block most attempts to break in using stolen passwords. You can enable 2FA in the “Settings & members” section under “My account.” For stronger protection, it’s better to use an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator rather than SMS.

For enterprise users, single sign-on (SSO) offers centralized account management. It allows employees to log in with their company credentials, which can simplify onboarding, reduce password fatigue, and maintain tighter control over who can access the workspace.

2. Access controls and permissions

Notion’s permissions system allows you to control who can view, edit, comment on, or share content. These controls work at both the page and database levels, giving you the flexibility to grant access based on role or responsibility.

For structured team management, you can use role-based access, assigning different levels of privileges to specific members or groups. This helps limit the chance of sensitive information being edited or deleted by someone who shouldn’t have that ability.

You can also lock pages and databases to prevent accidental changes. While this doesn’t completely block edits from users with higher access rights, it adds an extra step that can help protect key layouts or critical data from being modified without intention.

3. Audit and monitoring tools

Keeping track of activity is essential for spotting unusual behavior. Audit logs give workspace owners a record of important actions, such as changes to permissions or significant edits to content. These logs can be valuable during security reviews or if you need to investigate an incident.

For larger organizations, Notion supports SIEM and DLP integrations. These allow you to connect Notion with external monitoring and data protection tools, enabling real-time alerts, policy enforcement, and better control over sensitive information.

4. Disaster recovery and backups

Even with strong protections, unexpected events can occur. Notion has a recovery time objective (RTO) of about two hours and a recovery point objective (RPO) of roughly 24 hours. This means that in a disruption, the service aims to be back online quickly, with minimal data loss.

All customer and system data is backed up automatically each day, and those backups are stored in separate locations within AWS. If data is accidentally deleted or a serious outage happens, the restore process can bring information back to its last saved state. This safety net is especially important for teams that rely on Notion as their central knowledge hub.

Potential vulnerabilities and security risks

No system is completely immune to threats. Even with strong safeguards in place, Notion can still face risks from both external attacks and internal oversights. Many security incidents happen because of human error, while others stem from technical vulnerabilities. Knowing where the weak points are is key to keeping your workspace secure.

Misconfigurations and accidental data exposure

One of the most common risks is misconfigured permissions. In Notion, a single setting can decide if a page stays private or becomes accessible to anyone with the link. Teams sometimes turn on “share to web” without realizing that it makes information publicly available. If that page contains sensitive details, the exposure can be immediate.

Improperly set access levels can also be a problem. For example, granting full edit rights to everyone in a workspace might speed up collaboration, but it increases the chance of unintentional changes or deletions. Regularly reviewing permissions can help you catch these issues before they lead to data leaks.

Credential-related risks

Weak or reused passwords remain a serious security concern. If one of your accounts outside Notion is breached and you’ve used the same password, attackers could easily gain access to your workspace.

Phishing attacks are another threat. These involve tricking users into revealing their login credentials through fake emails or websites. Once stolen, those credentials can be used to log into Notion without raising immediate alarms.

There’s also the risk of credential leakage inside Notion itself. Some teams store login details for other systems in shared pages or databases. If those pages are shared too broadly, the exposure could compromise multiple systems, not just Notion.

Third-party integrations

Integrations can improve productivity, but they also introduce new security considerations. Connecting a third-party app to Notion means granting it some level of access to your data. If that app is ever compromised, the attacker could potentially reach your workspace.

Limiting integration permissions is essential. Only give third-party tools access to the specific pages or databases they need, and remove any integrations you no longer use. Periodic audits can help keep your connected apps list clean and safe.

Specific known vulnerabilities

Over time, security researchers have identified technical vulnerabilities in Notion, some of which have been addressed through updates. For instance, the Web Clipper Dirty NIB attack (CVE-2024-23745) allowed certain file types to be manipulated in a way that could execute unauthorized commands. Another case (CVE-2024-23743) affected macOS versions of Notion, enabling code execution under specific conditions.

These issues highlight the importance of keeping your Notion applications updated. Timely patches are critical because they close security gaps before they can be exploited. By combining updates with strong workspace management, you greatly reduce the likelihood of facing these risks.

Common mistakes that weaken Notion security

Even with strong built-in protections, Notion can still be vulnerable if users make choices that put data at risk. Many issues come down to how the workspace is managed day to day. Avoiding a few common mistakes can make a significant difference in keeping your information safe.

Storing sensitive data like passwords in Notion

It can be tempting to keep all information in one place, but storing passwords or other highly confidential details in Notion is risky. If your account is ever compromised, those credentials could be exposed. Instead of saving them inside pages or databases, use a dedicated password manager such as 1Password or Bitwarden. These tools encrypt and store login details securely, offering protection that’s stronger than keeping them in a shared document.

Over-sharing and granting full access unnecessarily

Giving everyone full access to a database might seem convenient, but it increases the chance of unwanted edits, deletions, or exposure. A better approach is to set permissions to “Can edit content” instead of full database access. This lets team members update information without being able to change the database structure. Being selective with who gets higher-level access can prevent costly mistakes.

Neglecting 2FA or relying on SMS codes

Two-factor authentication is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your account. Yet some users skip enabling it or choose the less secure SMS option. An authenticator app such as Authy or Google Authenticator is more reliable, as it’s less vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks. Enabling 2FA and using app-based codes can block most unauthorized login attempts.

Failing to review connected integrations

Over time, you might connect various third-party apps to your Notion workspace. Some may no longer be in use but still have permission to access your data. This creates unnecessary risk. Regularly check your integration list, remove any that are no longer needed, and ensure the ones you keep only have access to specific pages or databases they truly require. Periodic audits help maintain tighter control over what external services can see and do.

How secure is Notion for business use

For many companies, the question if Notion is secure for businesses is just as important as its productivity features. The short answer is that Notion provides a strong foundation for most organizations, especially small to mid-size businesses that need a flexible and collaborative platform. Its encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications give a reasonable level of assurance for general business data.

For smaller teams, these features are often more than enough to protect internal documents, project plans, and shared resources. The ability to manage permissions at both the page and database levels means you can control exactly who can view or edit sensitive information. Combined with two-factor authentication and regular account reviews, the platform can be kept secure for day-to-day business operations.

In regulated industries like finance or healthcare, the conversation changes. These sectors have stricter requirements for data handling and privacy. While Notion holds certifications such as SOC 2 Type 2, ISO standards, and HIPAA (with a signed Business Associate Agreement), it is not a complete compliance solution on its own. Organizations handling sensitive financial records or protected health information must configure their workspaces with extreme care and may need additional security tools to meet legal obligations.

There are also cases where adding extra layers of security makes sense. This can include integrating data loss prevention (DLP) tools, enabling more advanced monitoring through SIEM systems, or limiting integrations to only those that are essential. For businesses that rely heavily on intellectual property or store client-sensitive data, combining Notion’s built-in protections with specialized third-party safeguards can provide a higher level of confidence.

In the end, how secure Notion is for your business depends on the type of data you store, the controls you put in place, and your industry’s compliance requirements. Used thoughtfully, it can be a secure and reliable workspace for a wide range of professional needs.

Best practices to keep your Notion workspace secure

Even with strong built-in protections, the way you manage your account and workspace settings plays a huge role in how secure is Notion for you or your business. A few consistent habits can reduce risks and keep your data protected.

1. Strengthen account-level security

Start with the basics. Use a strong, unique password that isn’t reused anywhere else. Pair it with two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another barrier between your account and potential intruders. For the best results, use an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator instead of SMS codes, which are more vulnerable to interception.

2. Manage permissions with care

Access control is one of Notion’s most valuable security tools. Apply permissions on a granular level so users only see and edit what they need. Make it a habit to review access lists regularly and remove accounts or permissions that are no longer required. This prevents accidental data leaks and keeps sensitive information within the right hands.

3. Train your team

Human error remains one of the biggest threats to any system. Provide basic security awareness training for everyone in your workspace. Teach them how to recognize phishing attempts, handle sensitive information carefully, and avoid sharing data through insecure channels. Small habits can prevent big mistakes.

4. Vet and limit integrations

Integrations can improve productivity, but they also bring potential risks. Only connect apps you trust and that are actively maintained. Give each integration the minimum level of access it needs to function. Review your connected apps list from time to time and remove those you no longer use.

5. Regular workspace security audits

Set aside time for periodic audits of your Notion workspace. Check your permission settings, review your integration list, and verify that 2FA is enabled for all accounts. Address any outdated or risky configurations immediately. These regular checkups help ensure is Notion safe and secure remains true for your setup over time.

FAQs

So is Notion really safe and secure?

Notion provides a solid security foundation through encryption, access controls, compliance certifications, and reliable infrastructure. For most users and small to mid-size businesses, these measures are enough to keep everyday operations protected. However, the real answer to “is Notion secure” depends on how you set up and manage your workspace.

If you’re in a high-compliance industry like finance or healthcare, Notion can still be part of your workflow, but it should be paired with additional safeguards such as DLP solutions, stricter permission controls, and regular security audits. These extra steps can help meet regulatory standards and reduce the risk of data exposure.

In the end, Notion’s safety and security comes down to shared responsibility. Notion secures its platform, but you control how your data is stored, shared, and protected. With the right configuration, good habits, and occasional reviews, Notion can be both a productive and a secure choice for your business or personal use.

How Super can make your Notion site more secure and trusted

Security is about building confidence in the people who visit your site. While Notion offers a secure foundation, publishing your pages directly on a Notion subdomain can sometimes limit how professional and trustworthy your online presence appears. With Super, it adds an extra layer of security and credibility.

Custom domains with SSL encryption

Unlike Notion’s default subdomain setup, Super allows you to connect a custom domain and automatically applies free SSL encryption. SSL secures the connection between your visitors and your site, keeping any data they share protected while signaling that your site is legitimate. This added encryption also benefits search engine visibility, since secure sites are favored in search rankings.

Improved brand credibility

A personalized domain, such as “yourname.com,” communicates professionalism in a way a generic Notion link cannot. For companies asking if Notion is secure, this matters because trust often begins before a single page is read. A clean, branded URL can make clients and partners more confident in your professionalism and your attention to security.

Easy domain management

Super makes domain management simple. You can purchase a domain directly from its dashboard or connect an existing one without dealing with complex DNS setups. This convenience reduces the risk of configuration errors that could affect site accessibility or security.

SEO and discoverability benefits

Search engines tend to favor sites with secure, custom domains over generic subdomains. By using Super to pair your Notion site with a branded domain and SSL protection, you give your content a better chance to rank higher in search results. This combination of improved security, credibility, and discoverability can make your Notion-powered site stand out for all the right reasons.

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