Platform Encryption for Data Cloud

Platform Encryption for Data Cloud is a Salesforce security feature designed to protect sensitive data by encrypting it while it is stored (at-rest). This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the storage system, the data remains unreadable without the encryption keys.

What Does At-Rest Encryption Mean?

At-rest encryption protects data that is stored on a system, such as databases or file storage, ensuring it cannot be read or accessed by unauthorized users. It acts as a safeguard for data that isn’t actively being transmitted or processed.

In Salesforce Data Cloud, this means both customer data (like personal details, purchase history, etc.) and metadata (information about the data, like field settings or configurations) are encrypted. Even in case of a breach, the encrypted data remains secure without the encryption keys.

Why Is It Important?

Data encryption is crucial for several reasons:

• Compliance with Regulations: With encryption aligning with GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, businesses can easily meet global legal standards for data protection.
• Protection for Customer Data: Both customer data and metadata are secured, ensuring sensitive information is always safe.
• Advanced Security: The use of AES-256 encryption with CMKs, integrated into AWS KMS, adds multiple layers of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• Trust and Transparency: Customers feel more confident knowing their data is handled securely, building trust in your brand.
• Mitigation of Risks: Even in the event of a security breach, encrypted data is virtually useless without the encryption keys.

What Permissions Do You Need?

Platform Encryption in Salesforce isn’t just a security feature. It’s your shield against data breaches. But before you dive into implementation, let’s talk about the permissions you need to make it happen.

Key Permissions You’ll Need:

• View Setup and Configuration
  
  This one’s basic but essential. It gives you access to encryption settings in the Salesforce Setup. Without it, you can’t even see the configuration options.
• Manage Encryption Keys
  
  You’ll need this to create, rotate, and revoke encryption keys. Think of it as the key to your data’s safety vault.
• Customize Application
  
  This permission lets you tweak encryption settings and set policies, like deciding which fields should be encrypted.

How to Implement Platform Encryption for Salesforce Data Cloud

Protecting sensitive data in Salesforce Data Cloud is crucial for maintaining trust and compliance. Platform Encryption provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your data at rest. Follow this comprehensive guide to implement Platform Encryption for Salesforce Data Cloud seamlessly.

Step 1: Ensure You Have the Right Licenses

Platform Encryption for Data Cloud is not available by default. Make sure you have the following:

• Data Cloud license
• Shield Platform Encryption license

If these aren’t provisioned, contact Salesforce to get the necessary add-ons.

Step 2: Assign Permissions for Encryption Management

Admins responsible for encryption must have specific permissions. Here's how to set it up:

• Create a Permission Set that includes:
  
  
  • Manage Encryption Keys: To create, manage, and rotate encryption keys.
    

    

  • Customize Application: To configure encryption settings and policies.
    

    

    You can find both these permissions in System Permissions tab

• Assign this permission set to the user(admin) who will handle encryption.

This ensures proper control while restricting access to sensitive encryption operations.

Step 3: Generate a Tenant Secret

A tenant secret is required to activate encryption. To generate one:

• Go to Setup → Home→ Search Key Management in Quick Find Box.
• Check if a tenant secret already exists. If none is listed, click Generate Tenant Secret.
  
  

  

• This creates a unique encryption key tied to your organization.

Step 4: Enable Encryption for Data Cloud

Once the tenant secret is ready, enable encryption for your Data Cloud data:

• Navigate to Setup → Home→ Search Encryption Settings in Quick Find Box.
• Toggle on Manage Data Cloud Keys.
  
  

  

• Salesforce will automatically generate your first root key and start encrypting Data Cloud data immediately.

Step 5: Establish a Key Rotation Policy

Regularly rotating encryption keys strengthens security and reduces risk. Here's how to manage key rotation:

• Open Setup → Home→ Search Key Management in Quick Find Box.
• Set a key rotation schedule (e.g., every 12 months).
  
  

  

Conclusion

Platform Encryption for Salesforce Data Cloud safeguards sensitive data by encrypting it at rest, ensuring compliance with security regulations, and protecting against unauthorized access. It provides an essential layer of security, maintaining data confidentiality and trust.

To know more about Audit Platform Encryption for Data Cloud click here

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