Why is access to the http_connection Table Restricted?Summary<!-- /*NS Branding Styles*/ --> .ns-kb-css-body-editor-container { p { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } span { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } h2 { font-size: 24pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h3 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h4 { font-size: 14pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } a { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #00718F; } a:hover { font-size: 12pt; color: #024F69; } a:target { font-size: 12pt; color: #032D42; } a:visited { font-size: 12pt; color: #00718f; } ul { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } li { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } img { display: ; max-width: ; width: ; height: ; } } This article explains the reasons for restricting access to the http_connection table in ServiceNow and outlines best practices for managing integration user permissions. Access to the http_connection table in ServiceNow is governed by strict security and governance policies, as this table serves as a central repository for connection credentials, API keys, authentication tokens, and endpoint URLs used by integrations and plugins across the platform. The exposure or unauthorized modification of these records could result in severe security incidents, including unauthorized access to external systems, data breaches, service outages, or loss of regulatory compliance. To mitigate these risks, ServiceNow enforces Access Control Lists (ACLs) at both the table and field level, ensuring that only users with specific administrative roles—such as admin or NS Admin—can view or modify the table’s contents. These ACLs require users to meet all defined conditions, possess the necessary roles, and pass any scripted checks before access is granted. This approach supports several key objectives: Data Privacy and Security: By restricting access, organizations prevent unauthorized users from viewing or manipulating sensitive connection data, which could otherwise be exploited for malicious purposes.Operational Integrity: Only trusted administrators can make changes, reducing the risk of accidental misconfiguration or disruption to critical integrations.Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require organizations to maintain audit trails and enforce least privilege access to sensitive data. Restricting access to the http_connection table helps meet these requirements and supports internal and external audits.Clone and Migration Controls: During instance cloning or migration, preserving the integrity of the http_connection table is essential. Access controls ensure that only authorized users can manage these records, preventing issues during environment transitions For most integration scenarios, ServiceNow recommends using connection aliases or scoped tables, which allow non-admin users and scoped applications to reference connection information securely without exposing the underlying sensitive data. This design enables integrations to function as intended while maintaining strict separation between operational users and privileged administrators. In cases where broader access is needed, organizations should implement additional safeguards, such as delegated roles, workflow-based approvals, or temporary access grants, rather than assigning full administrative privileges. In summary, the restriction on the http_connection table is a critical security measure designed to protect organizational assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain the integrity and reliability of integrations within the ServiceNow platform. Organizations are encouraged to follow best practices by leveraging connection aliases, minimizing the number of users with direct access, and regularly reviewing access controls to adapt to evolving security requirements. If you need to enable access for a specific integration or user, it is best to consult with your ServiceNow administrator or platform security team to identify the most secure and compliant solution.