When it comes to protecting sensitive data in Salesforce, organizations face a critical decision: Shield Platform Encryption (Field-Level Encryption) or Database Encryption? Both are powerful security solutions, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences, use cases, and make the right choice for your organization.
Understanding the Two Approaches
Shield Platform Encryption, commonly referred to as Field-Level Encryption (FLE), encrypts data before it reaches the database. This means that even database administrators cannot see the raw, unencrypted data. It’s the gold standard for protecting highly sensitive PII (Personally Identifiable Information) where compliance requirements demand that even internal staff with database access cannot view sensitive information.
- Encryption happens at the application layer
- Supports Text, Email, Phone, URL, and Date field types
- Granular, field-by-field control
- BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) support
- EKM (External Key Management) via Cache-Only Keys
- Crypto-shredding capability for GDPR compliance
- Works on any Salesforce instance
Database Encryption (also known as Encryption at Rest or Transparent Data Encryption on Hyperforce) provides “zero-friction” encryption for your entire database. The application layer sees plain text, but all data stored on disk is encrypted. This approach is ideal for organizations that need broad coverage with absolutely zero performance impact.
- Transparent encryption at the storage layer
- Zero performance impact on application operations
- Full search, sort, and filter functionality maintained
- Encrypts all data automatically (standard and custom objects)
- BYOK support (no EKM)
- Requires Hyperforce infrastructure
Side-by-Side Capability Comparison
| Capability | Shield FLE | Database Encryption |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Fields | Supported Types: Text, Email, Phone, URL, Date | All Data (Storage-Layer Encryption) |
| Standard Fields | ~20 Standard Fields (Name, Description, etc.) | All Standard Objects & Fields |
| Performance Impact | ~5% Latency (App-Layer Processing) | Zero Impact (Storage-Layer Only) |
| Key Management | BYOK & External Key (EKM) | BYOK Only (No EKM) |
| Search & Filtering | Deterministic: Full | Probabilistic: None | 100% Functionality Maintained |
| Report Filters | Probabilistic Fields Excluded | All Fields Supported |
| Infrastructure Requirement | Any Salesforce Instance | Hyperforce Only |
| Crypto-Shredding | Fully Supported | Not Available |
Why Not Use Database Encryption for Everything?
Given that Database Encryption offers zero performance impact and full functionality, you might wonder why anyone would choose Field-Level Encryption. The answer lies in compliance requirements and security architecture.
The Compliance Barrier
- Crypto-Shredding: The ability to permanently destroy encryption keys to make data unrecoverable. This is essential for GDPR’s “Right to Erasure” and similar regulations.
- External Key Management (EKM): Some organizations must maintain complete control over encryption keys in their own Hardware Security Modules (HSMs). Database Encryption only supports BYOK, not external key storage.
- Defense-in-Depth: Multi-layer security models require encryption at both the application and storage layers. Using both together provides maximum protection.
- GDPR “Right to be Forgotten”: Field-Level Encryption enables selective data deletion through key destruction, which Database Encryption cannot provide.
- HIPAA PHI Field-Level Audit: Healthcare organizations often need field-by-field encryption for Protected Health Information with granular audit trails.
Search and Filtering Capabilities
Here’s where the technical differences become critical:
- Database Encryption: Maintains 100% functionality. All search, sort, and filter operations work exactly as they would with unencrypted data because encryption happens transparently at the storage layer.
- Shield FLE (Deterministic Mode): When using deterministic encryption, you get full SOQL WHERE clause support, Report Filters, and List View Filters. This is the recommended mode when you need search capabilities.
- Shield FLE (Probabilistic Mode): Provides maximum security but disables ALL filtering, sorting, and grouping capabilities. Probabilistic fields cannot be used in Report Filters or any search operations.
Critical Limitations to Consider
Before implementing either solution, be aware of these important constraints:
Database Encryption requires 24 hours to synchronize keys after initial setup or key rotation. Plan your implementation timeline accordingly.
Database Encryption is ONLY available on Hyperforce infrastructure. If you’re not on Hyperforce, Shield FLE is your only option for encryption.
Probabilistic FLE fields cannot be used in Report Filters, List View Filters, or any sorting operations. Choose deterministic encryption if you need search capabilities.
Both encryption methods require the paid Salesforce Shield license add-on. Factor this into your security budget planning.
FLE encrypted fields have restrictions when used in formula fields, validation rules, and some automation features. Review your existing automation before enabling encryption.
Enabling encryption requires data re-encryption, which can take significant time depending on your data volume. Plan for maintenance windows and potential performance impacts during the transition.
Decision Guide: When to Use What
- You have GDPR “Right to Erasure” requirements
- You need crypto-shredding capability for selective data deletion
- External Key Management (EKM) is required by your security policy
- You’re implementing a defense-in-depth security model
- You need selective, field-by-field protection rather than blanket encryption
- You’re not on Hyperforce infrastructure
- You need granular control over which fields are encrypted
- You’re on Hyperforce infrastructure
- You need zero performance impact on application operations
- Full search, sort, and filter functionality is critical
- You want broad, automatic coverage of all data
- Storage-tier compliance is sufficient for your requirements
- You prefer a simpler, “set it and forget it” implementation
- You don’t need crypto-shredding or EKM capabilities
- You need maximum security posture for highly sensitive data
- You’re pursuing PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance
- You’re working with government or defense contracts
- You’re in healthcare with HIPAA plus additional state-level requirements
- You’re in financial services with SOX plus GDPR requirements
- You have multi-layer audit and compliance requirements
- You want defense-in-depth with encryption at both application and storage layers
Performance Considerations
- Shield FLE: Typically adds approximately 5% latency due to application-layer encryption/decryption processing. This is usually imperceptible to end users but should be considered for high-volume operations.
- Database Encryption: Has zero application-level impact because encryption happens transparently at the storage layer. The application never sees the encryption process.
Key Management Options
- Shield FLE: Supports both BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) and EKM (External Key Management via Cache-Only Keys). This gives you maximum flexibility for compliance requirements.
- Database Encryption: Only supports BYOK. External Key Management is not available, which may be a limitation for organizations with strict key custody requirements.
Implementation Recommendations
For Most Organizations
If you’re on Hyperforce and don’t have specific compliance requirements for crypto-shredding or EKM, Database Encryption offers the best balance of security, performance, and functionality.
For Compliance-Heavy Organizations
If you’re subject to GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations requiring crypto-shredding or external key management, Shield FLE is likely your only option or a necessary component of your security strategy.
For Maximum Security
For organizations handling highly sensitive data (healthcare, financial services, government), consider implementing both encryption methods in a layered approach. This provides defense-in-depth with encryption at both the application and storage layers.
Conclusion
Choosing between Shield Field-Level Encryption and Database Encryption isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one that depends on your compliance requirements, infrastructure, performance needs, and security posture.
- Database Encryption = Zero friction, full functionality, but Hyperforce-only and no crypto-shredding
- Field-Level Encryption = Maximum compliance features, works everywhere, but with some performance and functionality trade-offs
- Both Together = Maximum security for organizations with the highest compliance requirements
Evaluate your specific requirements, consult with your security and compliance teams, and choose the approach that best aligns with your organization’s needs. Both solutions are powerful tools in the Salesforce security arsenal—the key is selecting the right one (or combination) for your unique situation.