Why Security Knowledge Is Your Career Superpower
Written ByAlice Jessop
Let’s be honest, security isn’t viewed by most as a wildly fun topic. You’re likely working in Salesforce because you enjoy building cool things with clicks or code, not because you dreamed of managing security guardrails.
But here’s the thing: while everyone else is chasing the shiny new features, security expertise has quietly become one of the most valuable career differentiators in the Salesforce ecosystem.
In my years supporting hundreds of Salesforce implementations, I’ve seen firsthand how
security knowledge transforms careers. The admin who understands sharing models gets pulled into executive meetings. The architect who prioritizes security becomes the trusted advisor that leadership can’t live without.
Three Ways Security Knowledge Makes You More Valuable
1. You’ll Solve Problems Others Don’t Even See
Most Salesforce professionals focus exclusively on making things work. You’ll stand out by making things work securely.
I’ve seen how seemingly innocent configurations can create serious security risks. Take
Experience Sites (formerly customer portals) as an example – they’re designed to share data with external users, but without proper security controls, they can leak sensitive information.
The internet is, as I like to say, “a wild place full of bad actors, hackers, vigilantes, and other cyber-pirates” who are constantly evolving their tactics. By identifying potential vulnerabilities before they’re exploited, you protect both your customers and your company’s reputation.
2. You’ll Become Essential When New Tech Emerges
When organizations implement new technologies like Agentforce, they need people who
understand both the capabilities and the risks.
Consider Agentforce’s powerful ability to automate processes and interact with customers. Without proper security guardrails, an agent could inadvertently expose sensitive data, violate compliance requirements, or even trigger regulatory penalties.
By understanding the security implications of emerging tech, you become an invaluable guide helping your organization navigate uncharted territory safely.
You’ll Speak the Language That Gets Respect
In today’s data-conscious world, executives care deeply about security (or they definitely should). By framing Salesforce projects in terms of both business value and security implications, you’re more likely to get the resources and support you need.
Which gets more attention: “We need this automation to improve efficiency” or “This secure automation will improve efficiency while protecting our customer financial data from exposure”? The latter speaks to both opportunity and risk, which is a language leadership understands.
Building Your Security Expertise
Ready to enhance your value through security knowledge? Here’s how to start:
- Understand the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and Zero Trust principles.
- While profiles and permission sets are important, true security expertise means understanding sharing models, record access calculations, and data leakage prevention.
- For every solution you build, ask “How could this be misused?” Thinking like an attacker reveals gaps others miss.
- With new features like Agentforce, learn to implement guardrails through proper configuration.
In an ecosystem full of talented admins, developers, and architects, security expertise sets you apart. You go from technical resource to trusted advisor.
Your security knowledge isn’t just protecting data, it’s making you invaluable to your team. And in my experience, that’s something worth investing in.
