Implementing Two-Factor Authentication in Salesforce

Salesforce is a cutting-edge CRM platform that operates in the cloud, providing businesses with the ability to effortlessly manage customer interactions and enhance their workflow. With the increasing number of cyber-attacks, securing Salesforce accounts using two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential to protect sensitive data.

In this article, we will be discussing the implementation of 2FA and how it can benefit your business.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional level of security by requiring users to provide two different forms of identification to access their accounts, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access.The two factors typically include a password and a one-time code sent to a user's mobile device or email address.

According to a recent study, 81% of hacking-related breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. This highlights the need for additional security measures, such as 2FA, to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Why Implement 2FA in Salesforce?

Salesforce is a cloud-based platform that stores a large amount of sensitive data, including customer, financial, and confidential business information. If your Salesforce account is compromised, this information could be at risk. Implementing 2FA provides an additional layer of security, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your Salesforce account.

A recent report found that the average data breach cost in the United States was $8.64 million. By implementing 2FA, businesses can reduce the risk of a data breach and potentially save millions of dollars in the event of a security incident.

How to Implement 2FA in Salesforce?

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication in Salesforce

The first step to implementing 2FA in Salesforce is to enable the feature. To do this, navigate to the 'Setup' page and select 'Security Controls.' From there, select 'Two-Factor Authentication for User Interface Logins.' Once enabled, Salesforce will prompt users to enter a verification code sent to their mobile device or email address when they log in.

Step 2: Choose the Verification Method

Salesforce provides several verification methods, including SMS text messages, voice calls, emails, and third-party authentication apps. Determine the methodology that suits your organization's needs the most.

A recent survey shows 63% of organizations use SMS text message verification for 2FA, while 26% use third-party authentication apps. Voice call and email verification methods are less common, with only 7% and 4% of organizations using them.

Step 3: Configure the Verification Method

After selecting the verification method, configure the settings to ensure the highest level of security. For example, if using SMS text message verification, consider setting a time limit for code validity to ensure the code expires if not used within a certain timeframe.

According to a recent study, setting a time limit for code validity can greatly enhance the security of 2FA. The study found that codes that expired within 30 seconds had a 95% success rate in preventing unauthorized access.

Step 4: Train Users on 2FA

Once 2FA is enabled, training users on how to use the new authentication process is essential. Provide clear instructions on how to access the verification code and how to enter it into Salesforce. Consider offering a demo or training session to ensure users fully understand the new process.

According to a recent survey, only 38% of organizations provide formal training on 2FA to their employees. However, organizations that provide training have a much higher success rate in implementing 2FA effectively.

Best Practices for Implementing 2FA in Salesforce

Implementing 2FA in Salesforce is essential to ensuring the security of sensitive data and against unauthorized access. However, simply enabling 2FA is not enough. Businesses must also follow best practices to ensure that 2FA is used effectively and consistently throughout the organization. Here are some best practices to follow when implementing 2FA in Salesforce:

1. Require 2FA for All Users

To ensure maximum security, require 2FA for all users in your organization, including administrators and employees, with access to sensitive data. This reduces the risk of a security breach and ensures all users are equally protected.

According to a recent report, businesses implementing 2FA for all users have a 99.9% reduction in successful phishing attacks. This highlights the importance of requiring 2FA for all users, as it greatly reduces the risk of a security breach.

2. Monitor 2FA Usage

Monitoring the usage of 2FA is critical to ensuring that users use it correctly and consistently. Salesforce provides reports that can help you track the usage of 2FA and identify any potential issues.

According to a recent survey, 28% of employees admitted to bypassing 2FA for certain applications, either because it was inconvenient or because they didn't think it was necessary. By monitoring 2FA usage, businesses can identify and address these issues promptly, reducing the risk of a security breach.

3. Regularly Review and Update Security Policies

Regularly reviewing and updating security policies is essential to ensure they are up-to-date and effective. This includes policies related to password complexity, access control, and 2FA.

According to a recent report, 45% of businesses do not have a formal process for updating security policies. This highlights the need for businesses to establish formal policies and procedures for regularly reviewing and updating security policies.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication for Third-Party Applications

If your organization uses third-party applications that integrate with Salesforce, consider implementing 2FA for these applications. This helps ensure that your organization's data is always protected.

According to a recent report, 60% of data breaches involve third-party vendors or suppliers. By implementing 2FA for third-party applications, businesses can reduce the risk of a security breach caused by a third-party vendor or supplier.

5. Use Strong Passwords

In addition to 2FA, using strong passwords that are difficult to guess is critical to ensuring the security of sensitive data. This includes combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

According to a recent report, the most commonly used password in 2020 was "123456", followed by "123456789" and "picture1". This highlights the need for businesses to educate their employees on the importance of using strong passwords and enforcing password complexity requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, implementing 2FA in Salesforce is essential to protecting sensitive data and reducing the risk of a security breach. By following these best practices, businesses can ensure that their Salesforce accounts are secure and their data is protected. Requiring 2FA for all users, monitoring 2FA usage, regularly reviewing and updating security policies, using 2FA for third-party applications, and using strong passwords are all important steps to ensure the security of sensitive data.