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Salesforce Data Breach: Hackers Target User Data with Social Engineering

Today in Tech

06 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

68% of Data Breach Occurs Due to Social Engineering Attacks

Salesforce Data Breach: Hackers Target User Data with Social Engineering

A concerning trend has emerged: hackers are actively targeting Salesforce instances to steal user data. These attacks leverage social engineering tactics, making it crucial for organizations and individuals to understand the threat and take proactive measures.

68% of Data Breach Occurs Due to Social Engineering Attacks

The Anatomy of the Attack

The attacks often begin with hackers impersonating IT support personnel. They contact employees and request them to accept a connection to Salesforce Data Loader, a legitimate tool used for importing, exporting, and updating data within Salesforce environments. Because Data Loader is a standard tool, employees may not suspect malicious intent.

Once the connection is established, the attackers gain unauthorized access to the Salesforce instance. From there, they exfiltrate the database, which can contain sensitive customer information, employee data, and other confidential business records. The stolen data is then used for extortion, with the hackers demanding payment to prevent its public release.

Groups like ShinyHunters have been linked to these attacks, indicating a coordinated and sophisticated effort to exploit vulnerabilities in Salesforce environments.

Who is at Risk?

Numerous organizations have already been targeted, including major companies like Chanel. This indicates that businesses of all sizes and across various industries are vulnerable. The attackers are not discriminating; they are targeting any organization that uses Salesforce and has valuable data to steal.

Google has issued warnings about these attacks, advising companies to review their internal processes and report any suspicious activity. Salesforce has also published advisories about vishing attempts and malicious versions of Data Loader.

How to Protect Your Salesforce Data

Protecting your Salesforce data requires a multi-faceted approach:

Employee Training: Educate employees about social engineering tactics and the importance of verifying the identity of anyone requesting access to Salesforce.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all Salesforce users to add an extra layer of security.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your Salesforce environment to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Implement DLP tools to monitor and prevent the exfiltration of sensitive data.
Monitor User Activity: Keep a close eye on user activity within Salesforce to detect any suspicious behavior.
Restrict Data Loader Access: Limit the number of users who have access to Salesforce Data Loader and ensure they are properly trained on its use.

Key Takeaways

The recent attacks on Salesforce instances highlight the growing threat of social engineering and data exfiltration. By understanding the tactics used by attackers and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim. Staying informed and proactive is essential in today's evolving threat landscape.