FAQ-000517 - Custom Settings and Configuration Security / Public Custom Settings and Metadata Security Concerns

The secure, recommended alternative to storing secrets in **public Custom Metadata Types** is to use: - **Protected Custom Metadata Types** - **Protected Custom Settings** - **Named Credentials** Alternatively, secrets can be encrypted and stored in custom objects, with the encryption key securely stored in a protected Custom Setting or hidden Custom Metadata API field.

The original answer structure and content are accurate and comprehensive. The main issue was formatting inconsistency - the original had mixed formatting with some items as bullet points and others as headings with asterisks. I standardized this to use consistent bullet point formatting for better readability while preserving all the original information and recommendations. Regarding security rules selection: - ApexSuggestUsingNamedCred: This rule directly relates to the FAQ's recommendation of Named Credentials as a secure alternative for storing secrets - AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInFieldDecls: This rule addresses avoiding hardcoded credentials in field declarations, which relates to the FAQ's discussion of storing secrets in metadata types - AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInVarAssign: This rule prevents hardcoded credentials in variable assignments, connecting to the broader topic of secure credential storage that the FAQ addresses - AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInVarDecls: This rule prevents hardcoded credentials in variable declarations, also relating to the secure credential storage practices the FAQ promotes