What is the duration of a security token?

The security token is valid until it has been reset manually. The old token will automatically become invalid as soon as it is reset and the new token will be taken to be active.

Is the security token of a user visible to an administrator?

The token is not directly visible to anyone due to security reasons. The user cannot view it, but the admin can reset the token, in case it is required.

Does OAuth require the use of a security token?

Access and refresh tokens are used in authentication in an OAuth setup. A customary security device is unnecessary in such instances.

What is to be done in case the email that includes the security token does not reach me?

In most cases, the message is sent to the spam folder, or the email address of the user is wrong. It can also be useful to check the email deliverability settings of the organization.

Is the hardcoding of the security token into the code acceptable?

It is deemed to be risky to hardcode the token in the code. It would be more appropriate to leave it in some safe storage facilities and rotate it at regular intervals.

What is the reason why the token occasionally breaks down without notice?

It usually occurs because of a password or a reset. In this scenario, the simplest thing to do is to come up with a new security token.

How to Get a Security Token in Salesforce & Why You Need It

If you suddenly encounter the LOGIN_MUST_USE_SECURITY_TOKEN error while connecting to Salesforce using Data Loader or any external application, it’s bound to be confusing. In reality, Salesforce sends an extra alphanumeric code for security purposes, known as the Salesforce security token. This token secures the login process during API access. This article clearly explains what a Salesforce security token is, when it’s needed, how to get a security token in Salesforce, how to reset it, and provides quick and easy fixes if you can’t find your token.

Quick Answer: How to get your Salesforce Security Token

The steps below get straight to the point and explain, without any confusion, how to obtain the token and when to use it.

Log in to Salesforce and click on the avatar icon at the top to open the Settings option.
In the Settings section, go to My Personal Information and look for the Reset My Security Token option.
Clicking on Reset My Security Token will send a new token to your registered email address.
The security token is not displayed on the screen; it is always sent securely via email.
When logging in to external apps or APIs, the password and token are used together.

Now that the basic process is clear, it will be even easier to understand why tokens are necessary, in which situations problems arise, and how they can be avoided.

Confused About How to Get a Salesforce Security Token?

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What is a Salesforce security token?

Integrating with Salesforce might seem straightforward at first, but it involves a deep understanding of security. Login isn’t simply based on a username and password. Salesforce also considers where the request is coming from and which tool is being used. Based on this entire context, the system determines the appropriate login method and when a security token is required.

The Salesforce security token secures API authentication, particularly when logins originate from outside trusted IP ranges or from an unknown network.
In typical integrations, a security token is usually used along with a password, while OAuth and Connected Apps are considered better for newer and more controlled access.
In an SSO setup, the identity provider handles the login authentication, so a security token is often not needed.
A security token is an alphanumeric code and remains valid until it is reset, which is why understanding its lifecycle is quite useful for administrators and developers.

When is a Salesforce Security Token Required?

The common confusion is whether a security token is needed for every login. In reality, it’s only required in specific situations, and these situations are often the cause of most login errors.

When logging in using Data Loader or any external integration, the username and password are used directly.
When accessing the Salesforce org from outside a trusted IP range, such as from a home network or the public internet.
When using older or legacy API clients that don’t support OAuth or Connected Apps.
When data is being synced in the background via an integration user, the login happens through an API rather than a regular browser.

In some cases, a security token is not required. For example, when using SSO or OAuth-based login, or when the administrator has already configured trusted IP ranges for the user. In such setups, Salesforce already considers the login secure. But when the token is missing, you’ll often see an error message. This clearly indicates that Salesforce requires extra verification to authenticate the login. This signal tells you that adding or resetting the security token is the next appropriate step.

Step-by-Step: Get or Reset Your Salesforce Security Token

When you encounter a problem related to your security token, the most important thing is to calmly follow the correct steps. Salesforce has intentionally kept this process simple so that users can reset the token themselves without any technical complications. The complete process is explained below in a step-by-step manner to avoid any confusion.

Step 1: Log in to Salesforce

First, log in to your Salesforce org. If Lightning Experience is enabled, the screen will look slightly more modern. The look might be different in Classic, but the options remain the same.

Step 2: Open Settings from your Avatar

After logging in, you’ll see your profile photo or avatar in the upper right corner. Clicking on it opens a menu. In Lightning, this is called “Settings,” and in Classic, the same option is called “My Settings.”

Step 3: Find My Personal Information

Once you have opened Settings, you can see the menu with My Personal Information on the left menu. This is the place where your fundamental security and account information is.

Step 4: Clear My Security Token

In this section, you will get the option of resetting my security token. Once you hit it Salesforce will create a new token. This icon is not shown on the screen.

Step 5: The token is emailed

After resetting, a few seconds later, you will get an email at your registered email address. The title of the message is typically Your new Salesforce security token and the new alphanumeric token is added to that email.

Step 6: API login with password + token

The token is paired with your password when using it in conjunction with the external application or API, when logging in. This implies that there exists no gap between the password and the token e.g. password123TOKEN.

Note: Sometimes you can be required to reset your security token after altering your password. In case you do not get the email, then you should look in your spam folder. The administrator is also able to assist with checking the email or resetting the password of the user.

Salesforce Security Token: Security Tips & Admin Checklist

A security token should always be treated like a password, so it should never be shared in chats, emails, or shared files.
If there’s any suspicion that a token has fallen into the wrong hands, resetting it immediately is considered the safest course of action.
It’s wise to create separate users for integrations, granting only the minimum permissions necessary for the task.
Setting login IP ranges for integration users automatically prevents API access from unknown networks.
Checking the history of logins and API activity is also important in the process of revealing suspicious or other unusual access in a short time.
Allowing failing API login notifications will assist in preventing security problems in the early stages.
The use of MFA and hard security policies on the administrator accounts goes a long way in ensuring the overall protection of the Salesforce org.

Conclusion

In Salesforce, the security token may be small, but it’s fundamental to connecting systems and enabling API functionality. Understanding it helps minimize login issues, keeps data secure, and facilitates seamless integration with other tools. Regularly rotating tokens, practicing secure habits, and staying informed about new authentication methods ensure the long-term stability and security of your Salesforce environment.

Get in touch with Melonleaf to unlock extra benefits of Salesforce in your working system or to resolve any problem with the existing Salesforce.