Comprehensive Guide to Salesforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Multifactor authentication is an important aspect of Salesforce security that highlights the significance of accessing Salesforce organizations. With the need for strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in various regions where Salesforce operates, it has become necessary for organizations to secure the different entry points to essential data.
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Salesforce has developed multiple methods through which its users and administrators can mitigate digital cybersecurity threats. This includes providing an organization's comprehensive login history via the login history feature in the setup and implementing other preventive measures to combat cybercriminals attempting to access a company's data. Salesforce offers a robust security system that administrators should understand and use.

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Knowledge Point: Cybercriminals encroach on an organization’s data in three main ways: stolen credentials, phishing, and banking on users’ vulnerabilities. Salesforce has a security measure for each of these nefarious methods. 
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One of those measures is the Multifactor Authentication, or MFA.

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How Does the Salesforce MFA Work?

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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an additional security measure by Salesforce to ensure that users are indeed who they claim to be before accessing an org. MFA in Salesforce requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence before logging in. The first factor is something the user already knows, like a username and password combination. The second factor is an extra detail that the user possesses.

The MFA Setting Up Process Includes:

1. Enter your username and password.
2. Choose a prompt to provide one of the verification methods that Salesforce supports. 

Verification Methods for the Salesforce MFA

Salesforce Authenticator

It is a free mobile app that integrates seamlessly into your login process. Users can quickly verify their identity in this app via simple two-factor authentication solutions.

Third-Party TOTP Authenticator Apps

These apps generate unique, temporary verification codes that users type in when they login. This code is called a time-based one-time password (TOTP). Users can choose from various options, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.

Security Keys

Logging in with this option is fast and easy. Users simply connect the key to their computer and press the key’s button to verify their identity. Users can use any key compatible with the FIDO Universal Second Factor (U2F) or FIDO2 WebAuthn standards, such as Yubico’s YubiKey or Google’s Titan Security Key.
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Built-in Authenticators

These are biometric readers, such as fingerprint or facial recognition scanners, built into a user’s device. Built-in authenticators use a PIN or password that users set up on their device’s operating system. Common examples include Touch ID, Face ID, and Windows Hello.

Best Practices for Salesforce MFA

• Define a Roll-Out Strategy for Your MFA: Decide on the structure and execution of your Multi-Factor Authentication rollout. Develop a strategy that works for your company's size, business goals, and Salesforce products.
• Know Who Your Users Are: As an administrator, it might be difficult to know all of your users, but if you have only a few users, it is more efficient to pay attention to their needs and know them. This will help you detect a non-user in your organization.
• Prioritize Your Users: In developing your rollout strategy, some users must figure out their Multi-Factor Authentication first. These users have some privileges that others do not have. While you set up the Multi-Factor Authentication for privileged users, you can limit other users' access from the profile level.

Conclusion

Salesforce security mechanisms protect users from getting targeted by various security breaches that can endanger a business and its data. As an administrator, you always want your data to be in safe hands.