FAQ-000489 - Custom Settings and Configuration Security / Post-Installation Configuration and Customer Setup

To balance data security with user functionality when custom metadata visibility is changed to protected, follow these steps: 1. **Use Protected Custom Settings or Metadata**: Store sensitive data securely to prevent exposure to unauthorized users while maintaining application functionality. 2. **Evaluate Subscriber Needs**: If subscribers require access to certain data, assess whether protected custom settings or metadata meet the use case. If not, consider alternatives like encryption or Named Credentials. 3. **Update References**: Replace all references to public custom metadata with the new protected custom metadata or settings in your managed package. This may involve creating a new custom metadata object and updating application code. 4. **Restrict Access**: Ensure only authorized users or processes can access or update sensitive data. Limit access to classes or methods handling this data to admin users or specific profiles. 5. **Document Changes**: Provide clear documentation and justification for changes to metadata visibility, especially if they impact user functionality. This is helpful for security reviews or audits. 6. **Communicate Changes**: If functionality is affected, inform users about the changes and provide guidance on adapting to the new setup. These measures help maintain a balance between securing data and ensuring user functionality.

The current FAQ content is accurate and well-structured, addressing the specific challenge of transitioning from public to protected custom metadata while maintaining functionality. No outdated content was detected - the information aligns with current Salesforce security best practices. The answer appropriately covers the key aspects of this transition including security considerations, user impact, and implementation steps. I selected four related security rules that directly connect to the FAQ's content: 1. **ApexSuggestUsingNamedCred** - This rule is highly relevant because the FAQ specifically mentions 'consider alternatives like encryption or Named Credentials' in step 2. The rule focuses on suggesting Named Credentials for secure credential storage, which directly aligns with the FAQ's recommendation for handling sensitive data alternatives when protected metadata doesn't meet use cases. 2. **AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInFieldDecls** - This relates to the FAQ's emphasis on storing sensitive data securely in step 1 and the overall theme of preventing exposure to unauthorized users. The rule addresses avoiding hardcoded credentials in field declarations, which connects to the FAQ's guidance on secure data storage practices. 3. **AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInVarAssign** - Connected to the FAQ's security focus in steps 1 and 4 regarding secure data handling and restricting access to sensitive data. This rule complements the FAQ's guidance on proper credential management practices. 4. **AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInVarDecls** - Also relates to the secure data storage principles discussed in steps 1 and 4 of the FAQ, supporting the overall security posture when transitioning to protected metadata. No significant changes were needed as the content is clear, accurate, and follows security best practices. The answer maintains appropriate scope and detail level for the question asked.