Top Salesforce Security Mistakes that Could Cost You

Introduction: Salesforce Security Mistakes

Salesforce is one of the most powerful and widely used Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms in the world. However, with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to security. Many organizations unknowingly make critical security mistakes that leave their Salesforce data vulnerable to breaches, compliance violations, and financial losses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top Salesforce security mistakes that could cost your business dearly. We’ll cover common misconfigurations, user access risks, API vulnerabilities, and compliance oversights, along with actionable best practices to secure your Salesforce environment.

1. Weak Password Policies & Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Risk:

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Many organizations fail to enforce strong password policies or implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), leaving accounts vulnerable to brute-force attacks and credential stuffing.

Common Mistakes:

• Allowing simple passwords (e.g., “Password123”).
• Not enforcing regular password changes.
• Skipping MFA for all users, including admins.

How to Fix It:

• Enforce strong password policies (minimum 12 characters, complexity requirements).
• Enable MFA for all users (Salesforce provides built-in MFA options).
• Use Single Sign-On (SSO) with identity providers like Okta or Azure AD for added security.

2. Excessive User Permissions & Overprivileged Accounts

The Risk:

Granting users more permissions than they need (the “principle of least privilege” violation) increases the risk of accidental or intentional data exposure.

Common Mistakes:

• Assigning the “System Administrator” profile to too many users.
• Using unrestricted permission sets instead of role-based access.
• Not reviewing user permissions regularly.

How to Fix It:

• Follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP) only grant necessary access.
• Use profiles and permission sets to restrict data access.
• Conduct regular access reviews to revoke unnecessary permissions.

3. Misconfigured Sharing Settings & Data Exposure

The Risk:

Salesforce’s sharing model is flexible but complex. Misconfigured sharing rules can expose sensitive data to unauthorized users.

Common Mistakes:

• Setting org-wide defaults (OWD) to “Public Read/Write” unnecessarily.
• Using public groups or roles incorrectly, leading to unintended data access.
• Not auditing manual sharing (where users share records individually).

How to Fix It:

• Set org-wide defaults to “Private” and open access only where needed.
• Use role hierarchies, sharing rules, and criteria-based sharing carefully.
• Regularly audit sharing settings with tools like Salesforce Health Check.

4. Unsecured APIs & Integration Vulnerabilities

The Risk:

APIs allow Salesforce to integrate with other systems, but poorly secured APIs can be exploited to extract or manipulate data.

Common Mistakes:

• Using weak authentication methods (e.g., basic auth instead of OAuth 2.0).
• Not restricting API access by IP (allowing unauthorized API calls).
• Exposing sensitive data in API responses without filtering.

How to Fix It:

• Use OAuth 2.0 with tokens for API authentication.
• Restrict API access by IP range in Connected Apps.
• Implement field-level security to prevent unwanted data exposure.

5. Lack of Audit Logging & Monitoring

The Risk:

Without proper logging, security incidents go undetected, making it impossible to trace breaches or unauthorized changes.

Common Mistakes:

• Not enabling login history, field history tracking, or setup audit trails.
• Ignoring event monitoring for suspicious activities.
• Failing to review logs regularly.

How to Fix It:

• Enable Setup Audit Trail to track admin changes.
• Use Event Monitoring to detect unusual login patterns.
• Set up real-time alerts for critical security events.

6. Ignoring Salesforce Security Health Check

The Risk:

Salesforce provides a Security Health Check tool, but many organizations never use it, leaving security gaps unaddressed.

Common Mistakes:

• Not running Security Health Check regularly.
• Ignoring critical and high-risk vulnerabilities identified by the tool.
• Failing to implement recommended fixes.

How to Fix It:

• Run Security Health Check monthly.
• Prioritize fixing critical vulnerabilities first.
• Track improvements over time.

7. Poor Data Backup & Recovery Practices

The Risk:

Relying solely on Salesforce’s built-in data recovery is risky. Accidental deletions, ransomware, or malicious actions can lead to permanent data loss.

Common Mistakes:

• Not setting up automated backups.
• Assuming Salesforce’s recycle bin is a full backup solution.
• Not testing data restoration processes.

How to Fix It:

• Use third-party backup tools (e.g., OwnBackup, Spanning).
• Schedule regular backup exports.
• Test data recovery procedures periodically.

8. Skipping Security Training for Users

The Risk:

Employees are often the weakest link in security. Phishing attacks and social engineering can compromise Salesforce accounts.

Common Mistakes:

• Not providing security awareness training.
• Allowing password sharing among teams.
• Ignoring phishing simulation tests.

How to Fix It:

• Train users on phishing, MFA, and password security.
• Enforce strict password policies.
• Conduct regular security drills.

9. Not Complying with GDPR, CCPA, or Industry Regulations

The Risk:

Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA can lead to legal penalties and reputational damage.

Common Mistakes:

• Not classifying sensitive data properly.
• Ignoring data retention policies.
• Failing to document compliance efforts.

How to Fix It:

• Use Salesforce Shield for encryption and compliance.
• Implement data retention policies.
• Conduct regular compliance audits.

10. Ignoring Third-Party App Security Risks

The Risk:

Installing unvetted third-party apps from the AppExchange can introduce malware or data leaks.

Common Mistakes:

• Not reviewing app permissions before installation.
• Using unmaintained or outdated apps.
• Granting apps unnecessary access.

How to Fix It:

• Only install verified, high-rated apps.
• Review OAuth scopes and permissions.
• Regularly audit installed apps.

Conclusion:

Salesforce security is not a one-time task it requires continuous monitoring, user training, and proactive measures. By avoiding these top 10 security mistakes, you can protect your organization from data breaches, compliance fines, and reputational damage.