Learn how to restrict backlog access in Jira and Azure DevOps to enhance data security and prevent unauthorized changes. Follow step-by-step guides and comparisons to manage permissions effectively.
Restricting access to the backlog in project management tools like Jira and Azure DevOps is crucial for maintaining data security and preventing unauthorized changes. Here's how to do it:
Related video from YouTube
Jira

- Create user groups: "Backlog Access" and "No Backlog Access"
- Assign necessary permissions to the "Backlog Access" group (Browse, Create, Edit)
- Revoke permissions from the "No Backlog Access" group
- Test access by logging in as different users/groups
Azure DevOps

- Create teams: "Backlog Access" and "No Backlog Access"
- Assign necessary permissions to the "Backlog Access" team (Read, Contribute, Admin)
- Revoke permissions from the "No Backlog Access" team
- Test access by logging in as different users/teams
Quick Comparison
Feature/Step
Jira
Azure DevOps
User Group Identification
Create user groups
Create teams
Permission Configuration
Configure permissions
Configure area paths and permissions
Testing and Verification
Log in as users/groups
Log in as users/teams
Permission Level Options
Browse, Create, Comment
Read, Contribute, Admin
Customization Options
Customizable workflows
Various customization options
By following these steps, you can control who can view and edit your backlog, reducing the risk of errors, data loss, and security breaches.
What You Need
To restrict access to the backlog in Jira and Azure DevOps, make sure you have the following:
Requirement
Description
Access to the project management tool
You need a valid account and access to the Jira or Azure DevOps project.
User permissions
You should have permissions to manage user access and permissions within the project. Typically, this requires project administrator or similar privileges.
Familiarity with the tool's interface
Understand how to navigate the Jira or Azure DevOps interface, including project settings, user management, and permission configurations.
Having these in place will help you follow the steps to restrict backlog access in Jira and Azure DevOps.
sbb-itb-bfaad5b
Restricting Backlog Access in Jira
To restrict access to the backlog in Jira, follow these steps:
User Groups
Create or identify user groups in Jira for those who should have access to the backlog and those who should not. For example:
Group Name
Description
Backlog Access
Users who need to view or edit the backlog
No Backlog Access
Users who should not have access to the backlog
Set Permissions
To set permissions for the backlog:
- Go to the project settings in Jira.
- Click on Permissions.
- Click on Edit Permissions.
- Assign the necessary permissions to the Backlog Access group (e.g., Browse, Create, Edit).
- Revoke the necessary permissions from the No Backlog Access group.
Test Access
Test the backlog access restrictions by logging in as different users or user groups. Ensure that:
- Users in the Backlog Access group can access the backlog.
- Users in the No Backlog Access group cannot access the backlog.
Restricting Backlog Access in Azure DevOps
To restrict access to the backlog in Azure DevOps, follow these steps:
Create Teams
Create separate teams for users who should have access to the backlog and those who should not. This helps manage permissions easily. For example:
Team Name
Description
Backlog Access
Users who need to view or edit the backlog
No Backlog Access
Users who should not have access to the backlog
Set Permissions
To set permissions for the backlog:
- Go to the project settings in Azure DevOps.
- Click on Permissions.
- Click on Edit Permissions.
- Assign the necessary permissions to the Backlog Access team (e.g., Read, Contribute, Admin).
- Revoke the necessary permissions from the No Backlog Access team.
When configuring area paths and permissions, consider these best practices:
- Only give users the minimum access needed.
- Disable inheritance where possible to avoid unexpected access.
Test Access
Test the backlog access restrictions by logging in as different users or team members. Ensure that:
- Users in the Backlog Access team can access the backlog.
- Users in the No Backlog Access team cannot access the backlog.
Comparison Table
The following table compares the steps and features for restricting backlog access in Jira and Azure DevOps:
Feature/Step
Jira
Azure DevOps
User Group Identification
Create or identify user groups
Create separate teams
Permission Configuration
Configure permissions for backlog
Configure area paths and permissions
Testing and Verification
Log in as different users/groups
Log in as different users/teams
Permission Level Options
Browse, Create, Comment
Read, Contribute, Admin
Customization Options
Customizable workflows
Various customization options
This table highlights the steps and features for managing backlog access in Jira and Azure DevOps. Both tools offer strong features for managing permissions, but the specific steps and options differ.
Final Thoughts
Restricting backlog access in Jira and Azure DevOps helps keep your project secure and organized. By following the steps in this guide, you can control who can view and edit your backlog, reducing the risk of unwanted changes and data breaches.
Regularly review and update access permissions as team members or project needs change. This will help maintain security and keep your project on track.