FAQ-001522 - Proactive Security Architecture Review / Pre-Approval and Validation

To validate security approaches for new features before implementation, follow these steps: 1. **Comprehensive Testing**: Test your solution using both manual and automated security scanning tools. Include all external endpoints, even those not hosted on Salesforce. 2. **Follow-the-Data Approach**: Identify and test all components where customer data is transferred or authenticated, including external endpoints. 3. **Automated Scans**: Use tools like Salesforce Code Analyzer throughout development to catch vulnerabilities early. Address flagged issues promptly. 4. **Manual Testing**: Identify vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss, focusing on solution architecture, endpoints, and data transfer mechanisms. 5. **Secure Coding Practices**: Follow Salesforce security guidelines, such as using protected custom metadata for sensitive information and implementing CRUD/FLS checks. Prioritize modern approaches like `WITH USER_MODE` for SOQL queries and `AccessLevel.USER_MODE` for Database methods when enforcing permissions. 6. **External Endpoints**: Obtain permissions for security testing and follow Salesforce's IP and domain guidelines. 7. **Consult Experts**: Engage with the Salesforce Security Team or schedule technical office hours for guidance on specific security concerns. 8. **Documentation**: Record findings, address vulnerabilities, and document false positives before submitting for a security review.

The FAQ content is generally well-structured and comprehensive. I made one minor enhancement to point 5 by adding guidance to prioritize modern security features (`WITH USER_MODE` and `AccessLevel.USER_MODE`) while maintaining the existing recommendation about CRUD/FLS checks. This aligns with the security approaches guidelines that emphasize leading with modern features while not invalidating legacy approaches. No other changes were needed as the content is current and accurate. Regarding security rules selection: ApexCRUDViolation relates to the FAQ's mention of 'implementing CRUD/FLS checks' in secure coding practices. ApexSharingViolations connects to the sharing and permission enforcement discussed. ApexSOQLInjection, ApexXSSFromEscapeFalse, and ApexXSSFromURLParam are relevant to the FAQ's emphasis on 'catch vulnerabilities early' through automated scanning. ApexInsecureEndpoint relates to the 'external endpoints' testing mentioned. ApexBadCrypto and ApexSuggestUsingNamedCred connect to the 'secure coding practices' and 'sensitive information' handling. VfCsrf and VfUnescapeEl relate to the comprehensive security testing approach. The hardcoded credentials rules (AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInFieldDecls, AvoidHardcodedCredentialsInVarDecls) connect to the 'protected custom metadata for sensitive information' recommendation.