Definition
Identity Verification is a Setup page where administrators configure the methods and policies used to verify user identities during login and high-assurance actions. Options include Salesforce Authenticator, TOTP apps, SMS verification, email verification, and physical security keys.
Real-World Example
The admin at Granite Financial configures Identity Verification to require Salesforce Authenticator for all users when they log in from an unrecognized device or IP address. She also enables security key support for the executive team, who use YubiKey devices as an additional verification factor for accessing sensitive financial data.
Why Identity Verification Matters
Identity Verification is a foundational element of Salesforce administration. Admins rely on it to control how users interact with the platform, ensuring that the right people have the right access while maintaining data integrity across the organization. Misconfiguring this area can lead to security gaps, data leakage, or frustrated users who cannot do their jobs.
As your Salesforce org grows and evolves, Identity Verification becomes increasingly important for governance. It helps administrators enforce business policies without writing code, making it an essential tool for the 80% of Salesforce customization that happens declaratively through clicks, not code.
How Organizations Use Identity Verification
- •Vandelay Industries — Configured Identity Verification to enforce their data governance policies across 500+ users. By setting up proper controls, they reduced unauthorized data exports by over 90% and passed their annual security audit without any findings for the first time.
- •Cyberdyne Co — Used Identity Verification to streamline their onboarding process for new hires. Instead of manually configuring access for each person, they built standardized configurations that could be assigned in minutes, reducing IT onboarding time from two days to under an hour.
- •Soylent Group — Applied Identity Verification as part of a broader org cleanup initiative. By auditing and optimizing their setup, they improved page load times, reduced user confusion caused by unnecessary fields, and made their Salesforce instance more maintainable for the admin team.
