Salesforce API Access Control - Part 1 - Closing the Open Door
- Sandeep Supehia
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When a Salesforce user has the API Enabled permission, it means they can use their login not just in Salesforce itself, but also in other apps or tools that connect to Salesforce.
That’s where the risk comes in:
They could connect Salesforce to any random app without IT approval.
They could use tools to download a lot of data directly, outside the normal Salesforce screens.
And if their login is stolen, a hacker could also use it to pull data through the API without being noticed right away.
In short, with just that one permission, the door to Salesforce data is wide open and you don’t control which app is walking through it.
That’s why API Access Control is important, it makes sure only apps you’ve approved can use that door.
Instead of leaving the “API door” wide open for any app, API Access Control puts a security guard at the door.
It works like this:
You (the admin) create a list of approved apps. These are the Connected Apps your company trusts.
Users can only connect to Salesforce APIs through those approved apps.
If someone tries to use an unapproved app, the API request is blocked.
So practically, it means:
Employees can’t hook up Salesforce to random tools.
Partners and customers can only use the apps you’ve installed for them.
If a hacker steals someone’s login, they still can’t get in through APIs unless they also go through an approved app.
If your employee turned into a hacker or a hacker got the employee access -
Without API Access Control, the hacker can use those credentials in any app, script, or tool to hit Salesforce APIs. Total open field.
With API Access Control enabled, the hacker can only use those credentials through the apps that are allowlisted and that the user has been assigned to.
Now, two scenarios:
If the hacker tries using a random tool (not an approved app) the request is blocked. They can’t use Postman, curl, or a random third-party app to extract data.
If the hacker uses a trusted/approved app the user has access to Yes, they could still log in. But now your risk window is much smaller, because:
You can restrict scopes (limit what that app can do via OAuth policies).
You have audit logs of API activity tied to that app.
You’re not dealing with “any tool in the world”, only the few apps you’ve sanctioned.
API Access Control reduces the attack surface, but it’s not a silver bullet. If a hacker actually gets valid employee credentials, you still need other safeguards to stop them. That means making sure:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all users.
Admins & Support follow clear SOPs to immediately shut down access when someone leaves the company.
Strong password policies are enforced.
IP restrictions limit where users can log in from
Use Single Sign-On (SSO) so all login controls (MFA, password rules, device/IP checks) are enforced centrally, and ex-employee access is cut off instantly.
So, API Access Control doesn’t magically stop all misuse if credentials are stolen but it shrinks the attack surface but before you enable it, there are a few things you should know.
API Access Control isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a mindset shift. Treat every integration as a doorway. Decide who gets in, who doesn’t, and make sure you’ve got the audit trail when things go wrong
Truffle helps enterprises lock down Salesforce without slowing business down. If you want to move fast and stay secure, let’s talk.
Connect:
E-mail us: hello@trufflecorp.com
Fill out our reachout form: https://www.trufflecorp.com/contact-us
Part 2 covers the setup steps and what could break if you’re not careful.
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