FAQ-000506 - Custom Settings and Configuration Security / Protected Custom Settings vs Other Storage Methods

Current Status:VALID_RESPONSEErrorUnable to AnswerSuggests Case

Current FAQ

Question
Are Protected Custom Settings an acceptable alternative to Custom Metadata Types for storing sensitive values?
Answer
Yes, Protected Custom Settings are an acceptable alternative to Custom Metadata Types for storing sensitive values. However, Protected Custom Metadata is generally preferred because of its enhanced manageability and security features. Both options can securely store sensitive data if implemented correctly with proper access restrictions.
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Related Security Rules (click to view)
ProtectSensitiveData
Question
Are Protected Custom Settings an acceptable alternative to Custom Metadata Types for storing sensitive values?
Recommended Answer Update
Yes, Protected Custom Settings are an acceptable alternative to Custom Metadata Types for storing sensitive values. However, Protected Custom Metadata is generally preferred because of its enhanced manageability and security features. Both options can securely store sensitive data when implemented correctly with proper access restrictions.
Reasoning
Made a minor improvement to the final sentence by changing 'if implemented correctly' to 'when implemented correctly' for better flow and clarity. This small change makes the sentence read more naturally while preserving all the original information and structure. The ProtectSensitiveData rule is directly relevant because this FAQ discusses secure storage of sensitive values using Protected Custom Settings and Custom Metadata Types. The rule specifically addresses protecting sensitive data in Salesforce applications, which is exactly what this FAQ is teaching developers how to do through proper configuration choices.
Reasoning References