Salesforce security best practices: How to make your Salesforce apps more secure

Salesforce is a significant tool with vast capabilities and every app created on top of it plays an important role in extending the platform functionality to meet specific business requirements. It has become more important than ever to ensure the security of business-critical apps and data.To overcome such challenges businesses must adopt comprehensive security and compliance strategies. 

How to ensure the security of your Salesforce apps?

• Pre-built templates and components can be utilized to enhance the security structure of Salesforce applications.
1. Security Review Dashboard

   This template provides a dashboard that helps to track app security review progress and identify improvement areas.

2. Field Audit Trail

   This component helps to track changes made to fields in their application, providing an extra layer of security.

3. Login History

   This component provides visibility into the login history of app users which helps to identify potential security threats.

4. Password Policies

   This template helps to enforce passwords that prevent unauthorized users from accessing the applications.

5. Apex Protection

   This component helps to protect Apex code from unauthorized access and modification.

6. Shield Platform Encryption

   This template provides an encryption solution that helps to protect sensitive data stored in the application.

7. Event Monitoring

   This component gives real-time visibility into user activity which helps to identify and respond to potential security threats quickly.

• Leveraging Existing Integrations and APIs can help with Salesforce App Security
1. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all user logins using APIs provided by authentication providers like Okta or Duo. It boats the security of the login process, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
2. Use APIs from trusted security providers like Symantec or McAfee to scan for and detect potential security threats in real-time. It can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
3. Implement encryption for sensitive data using APIs provided by encryption providers like AWS KMS or Azure Key Vault. Data cannot be read without the encryption key, even if stolen.
4. Use APIs provided by security providers like Cloudflare or Akamai to implement web application firewalls (WAFs) which can detect and prevent malicious traffic.
5. Implement continuous security monitoring using APIs provided by SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) providers like Splunk or LogRhythm. It can help sdetect and respond to security incidents in real time.
• Utilize Automated Testing and Deployment Tools to accelerate the development process

  Automated testing and deployment tools help identify and fix security vulnerabilities before the application is deployed to production, ensuring that the application is secure and free from potential threats.

• Follow industry-Standard Security Protocols to increase protection against cyber threats and enhance customer trust

Here are some of the important security protocols to consider while building an app:

1. WASP Top 10
2. NIST Cybersecurity Framework
3. CIS Controls
4. ISO/IEC 27001
5. Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle (SDL)
6. Apple Secure Coding Guide
7. Google Security Checklist for Android Apps
8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Best Practices
9. Veracode Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
10. Fortify Application Security Testing (AST)
11. Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS)
12. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
13. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule
14. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
15. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP
16. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53
17. Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmarks for Mobile Device Security
18. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Identity and Access Management (IAM)
19. Microsoft Azure Security Center
20. Google Cloud Security Command Center
• Conducting Regular Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing
1. Identify Potential Vulnerabilities

   This step involves reviewing the code, configuration, and access controls to identify any weaknesses attackers could exploit.

2. Plan Penetration Testing

   A penetration testing plan is developed once vulnerabilities are identified. This plan outlines the scope of the testing, the tools and techniques to be used, and the expected outcome.

3. Conduct Penetration Testing

   Penetration testing involves simulating real-world attacks to test the security of the Salesforce app. This step helps identify if there is any unauthorized access.

4. Analyze Results

   After conducting the penetration testing, the results are analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the security controls.

5. Remediate Vulnerabilities

   Based on the penetration testing results, any identified vulnerabilities are remediated. This step involves implementing security controls to mitigate risks and prevent future attacks.

6. Repeat the Process

   The vulnerability assessment and penetration testing process are repeated regularly to ensure that the Salesforce app security structure remains secure. This step helps to identify any new vulnerabilities that arise and to ensure that security controls remain effective over time.

Conclusion

Securing the applications and information it contains should be top priorities for all businesses. Ensuring that your customer's data is protected and your application complies with the latest regulations are crucial.

Implementing these practices can help businesses to prevent potential threats. Congruent can help you implement these Salesforce best practices to ensure the security of your application. Congruent is capable of building secure and compliant Salesforce apps that addresses your specific business needs, ensuring the success of your applications and establishing long-term trust with its users.