We understand that new tools often require review by IT, security, and data governance teams before adoption. Below are the most common questions we receive, answered directly and specifically.
What does MyDataWork actually do?
MyDataWork is a workspace for data analysts to catalog their files, document use cases, track outcomes, and visualize relationships between data assets. It is an organizational and productivity tool — not a data processing or transformation platform.
What data does MyDataWork access or store?
MyDataWork stores only metadata — file names, file paths, tags, notes, use case descriptions, and analyst-defined relationships. It never reads, transmits, or stores the contents of your data files. The local Connector application indexes file names and paths on your machine; no file content ever leaves your computer. When AI features are enabled, MyDataWork sends use case descriptions, objectives, progress notes, and asset metadata — never file contents — to OpenAI’s API for analysis. AI features are optional and disabled by default. Enabling them requires an explicit action by a workspace admin in Setup → AI Assist.
Where is data stored?
All workspace data is stored in a managed cloud database hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the United States (us-east-1 / Northern Virginia region). Data is encrypted at rest and in transit using TLS.
Does MyDataWork connect to our databases, data warehouse, or BI tools?
MyDataWork does not connect to, query, or read data from your databases, data warehouses, or BI tools. It does not execute queries or access underlying data.
MyDataWork can optionally connect to cloud platforms — GitHub, dbt Cloud, Databricks, and Snowflake — using read-only API tokens provided by the user. These connections index only asset metadata exposed by each platform’s API: file names, paths, model names, table names, and schema information. No data records, query results, or file contents are accessed or stored.
Cloud source connections are optional, require explicit configuration by a workspace admin, and use only the minimum API permissions needed for metadata indexing.
What data is sent to AI services?
MyDataWork uses OpenAI’s API to power optional AI features including use case recommendations, automation candidate identification, marketplace data suggestions, and tool migration analysis. When these features are used, the following information is sent to OpenAI: use case titles, descriptions, objectives, and progress notes; asset names, file types, and detected data source references; and workspace plan and configuration details.
File contents are never sent to OpenAI or any external service. AI features are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled by a workspace admin in Setup → AI Assist. Usage is subject to a daily quota visible in the Setup tab. OpenAI’s data processing terms apply to data sent through the API.
Does the Jira integration store or transmit sensitive data?
The Jira integration stores your Jira instance URL and API token encrypted at rest in your MyDataWork workspace, using the same encryption applied to all other credentials in the system. These credentials are used only to push use case summaries to your Jira instance and are never transmitted elsewhere.
The content pushed to Jira contains only information you have explicitly entered into MyDataWork — use case titles, descriptions, objectives, progress notes, stakeholder names, and asset names. No file contents, no underlying data, and no system credentials other than the Jira token itself are involved in the integration.
The Jira integration is optional, disabled by default, and must be explicitly configured by a workspace admin in Setup → Integrations.
Does installing the Connector require admin privileges or network changes?
The Connector is a lightweight Windows desktop application. It does not require administrator privileges to install, does not open inbound network ports, does not modify system files, and does not require firewall rule changes. It communicates only with the MyDataWork web application over standard HTTPS (port 443).
What network access does MyDataWork require?
Users need outbound HTTPS access to app.mydatawork.com on port 443. No VPN, no special network configuration, and no inbound connections are required. The application is fully cloud-hosted. If the optional Jira integration is configured, outbound HTTPS connections are also made to your organization’s Jira instance URL on port 443.
Can access be limited to specific users or teams?
Yes. MyDataWork supports workspace-level access control. Team plans allow a designated workspace admin to invite members via a join code. Access is controlled at the workspace level and can be introduced in a phased, limited rollout without affecting other users or systems.
Is MyDataWork SOC 2 certified?
MyDataWork is currently in early access and SOC 2 certification is on our roadmap. Our infrastructure runs on AWS, which maintains SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other certifications. We follow security best practices including encrypted storage, encrypted transit, hashed passwords, and token-based authentication.
How are user credentials protected?
Passwords are never stored in plaintext. All passwords are hashed using industry-standard bcrypt. Authentication uses short-lived JWT tokens. Users can reset passwords via email verification.
Can users export and take their data with them?
Yes. Workspace admins can export a full JSON backup of their workspace data at any time from the Setup tab. Upon cancellation, data is retained for 30 days to allow for export before permanent deletion.
Does MyDataWork comply with GDPR or CCPA?
MyDataWork stores only the data users explicitly enter — names, email addresses, file references, and notes. We do not sell user data, do not use data for advertising, and provide data deletion upon account cancellation. We are happy to discuss data processing agreements for organizational customers.
What happens if we want to stop using MyDataWork?
There is no lock-in. Export your workspace data at any time in JSON format. Cancel your subscription from Account settings. Your data is retained for 30 days after cancellation and then permanently deleted. The Connector can be uninstalled like any standard Windows application.
Who do we contact with security questions?
Email contact@mydatawork.com. We aim to respond to security-related inquiries within 2 business days.