Multi-Factor Authentication for Salesforce

How MFA Works

MFA requires a user to validate their identity with two or more forms of evidence — or factors — when they log in. One factor is something the user knows, such as their username and password combination. Other factors are verification methods that the user has in their possession. While there’s a risk that a password may be compromised, it’s highly unlikely that a bad actor can also gain access to a strong verification method like a security key or authentication app.

Salesforce MFA for Direct Logins

Salesforce offers simple, innovative MFA solutions that provide a balance between strong security and user convenience. Salesforce products support several types of strong verification methods to satisfy your business and user requirements.

• Salesforce Authenticator Mobile App: A fast, frictionless solution that makes MFA verification easy via simple push notifications that integrate into your Salesforce login process. Use this app in your MFA implementation to increase security while driving a better user experience.
• Third-Party Authenticator Apps: Authenticate with apps that generate temporary codes based on the OATH time-based one-time password (TOTP) algorithm. There are many apps available, including Google Authenticator^TM, Microsoft Authenticator^TM, and Authy^TM.
• Security Keys: These small physical devices are easy to use because there’s nothing to install and no codes to enter. Security keys are a great solution if mobile devices aren’t an option for your users. Salesforce supports USB, Lightning, and NFC keys that support the WebAuthn or U2F standards, including Yubico’s YubiKey^TM and Google’s Titan^TM Security Key.
• Built-In Authenticators: Easy MFA verification using a desktop or mobile device’s built-in authenticator service, such as Windows Hello^TM, Touch ID^(R), or Face ID^(R). (Currently available for Heroku, Marketing Cloud-Social, and MuleSoft Anypoint Platform only.)

MFA for Single Sign-On (SSO)

Do your users regularly access multiple apps during the course of their day? Your best option is to combine MFA and SSO, so you can deliver enhanced security along with a convenient, simplified login experience. 

If you've already integrated your Salesforce products with an SSO solution, ensure that MFA is enabled for all your Salesforce users. You can use your SSO provider’s MFA service. Or, for products that are built on the Salesforce Platform, you can use the free MFA functionality provided in Salesforce instead of enabling MFA at the SSO level.