How to Secure Your Salesforce for SOC 2 & Get the SOC 2 Badge/Seal

Ensuring your Salesforce environment passes a SOC 2 audit and earns the trusted SOC 2 badge or seal is vital for building client trust. Let’s break down the process—what you need to do, what auditors look for, and key steps to security.

• Understand What SOC 2 Is: SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a widely accepted cybersecurity compliance standard. It's designed for companies handling customer data, verifying that they securely manage information to protect the privacy and interests of clients. A 'SOC 2 audit' checks if your systems meet strict security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy criteria (called "Trust Services Criteria").
• Know Salesforce’s Role: Salesforce itself is a "cloud service provider" and is already SOC 2 certified. However, how your company configures and uses Salesforce is what auditors will inspect. Customizations, user access, integrations, data sharing, and custom apps are your responsibility.
• Key Salesforce Security Controls Auditors Expect:
  • User Access Management: Set up strong, unique logins for all users. Use Salesforce’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect accounts. Regularly review who has access—remove accounts of people who’ve left the company or changed roles.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Assign permissions carefully, ensuring users only get access to what they need. Use Salesforce Profiles, Roles, and Permission Sets to define who can see and do what inside your system.
  • Audit Logging: Enable and retain Salesforce audit logs. These track changes in user access, data exports, and configuration updates—vital for proving compliance during the audit.
  • Data Encryption: Use Salesforce Shield or platform encryption to protect data at rest. Make sure all web access uses HTTPS encryption (SSL/TLS).
  • Change Management: Document all major changes in Salesforce, like new custom apps or changes to security settings. Use Salesforce’s change tracking and approval processes.
  • Vendor Management: Monitor and evaluate any apps, plugins, or integrations connected to Salesforce. Only use reputable vendors that themselves comply with SOC 2 or equivalent security standards.
  • Security Awareness Training: Train all Salesforce users on safe practices, phishing awareness, and incident reporting. Auditors will expect documented evidence of regular training.
  • Regular Security Assessments: Perform regular internal reviews and risk assessments. External gap assessments—like those offered by OCD Tech—help spot issues and prepare you for the formal audit.
• Requirements & Documentation for Passing Audit:
  • Security Policies & Procedures: Written documentation outlining your Salesforce security practices (access control, encryption, data backup, incident response, etc.).
  • Access Logs & Audit Trails: Proof that logging is active and regularly reviewed. Keep evidence of investigations or actions taken for suspicious activity.
  • User Certification Records: Lists of who has Salesforce access, why, and evidence of offboarding.
  • Incident Management: Processes for identifying, reporting, and managing security incidents. Keep incident logs and post-incident reports.
  • Risk Assessments: Periodic assessment results showing you’ve reviewed Salesforce for new risks and taken action as needed.
  • Change Management Records: Evidence that changes in Salesforce are reviewed, tested, and approved, not made ad-hoc.
• How to Get the SOC 2 Badge/Seal:
  • Readiness Assessment: Consider a pre-audit readiness assessment from a consulting firm, like OCD Tech, to find gaps before your formal audit.
  • Choose a CPA firm: SOC 2 audits must be performed by an independent, licensed CPA or a qualified firm. Check their experience with SaaS platforms and Salesforce in particular.
  • The Formal Audit: The auditor will inspect your controls and evidence. If you meet requirements, you'll receive your official SOC 2 report—then you can use the 'SOC 2 badge' or 'SOC 2 seal' in marketing and customer materials (according to AICPA usage rules).
• Most Important for SOC 2 Audit Success:
  • Demonstrate that you actually follow your documented procedures—policy “on paper” is not enough. Auditors need evidence of what you DO.
  • Consistent, accurate documentation is essential.
  • Don’t ignore integrations—auditors look at the entire data flow.
  • Stay updated—new Salesforce features or apps mean new potential risks to evaluate.
  • Get expert help early—firms like OCD Tech can dramatically increase your confidence and success rate.