Salesforce has introduced a new security capability that allows organizations to encrypt the entire transactional database at rest with the Winter ‘26 Release. This is a significant update because it provides an additional, simpler path to protect sensitive information without the configuration and complexity traditionally associated with field-level encryption.
This new database-level encryption is straightforward to enable and immediately increases your protection posture. Even better, it works seamlessly behind the scenes. For many businesses, especially those storing sensitive or regulated data, this new option offers a compelling balance of enhanced security and ease of use.
How This Differs from Salesforce Shield
It’s important to understand how this new feature compares to Salesforce Shield Platform Encryption, which has been the long-standing method for securing data at rest.
Database Encryption (new):
Encrypts the entire Salesforce database at rest with minimal setup. It requires no field-by-field configuration. This makes it a great option for organizations wanting broad, quick protection for sensitive data.
Salesforce Shield (field-level encryption):
Allows you to encrypt individual fields and files and gives you more granular control. However, depending on how it’s configured, Shield can introduce limitations on searching, filtering, and reporting for encrypted fields. Shield is still the right choice for organizations with strict compliance needs or those requiring fine-tuned control over exactly which fields must be encrypted.
Think of the new database encryption as an additional, simpler option — not a replacement for Shield. It provides strong baseline protection, while Shield remains available for organizations that require deeper or more specialized security capabilities.
What Admins Should Do Now
If your org handles customer PII, financial data, confidential business information, or anything governed by regulatory requirements, this new encryption option is worth evaluating. Here are recommended next steps:
Review whether your org stores data that would benefit from database-level encryption. Even if you already use Shield, this added layer may be valuable.
Evaluate how much control you truly need. If broad encryption meets your needs, the new capability may be a more efficient path.
Test in a sandbox before enabling. Ensure integrations, reporting, and automation continue working as expected.
Decide whether you need both. Some organizations may benefit from database encryption for broad coverage and Shield for targeted, compliance-driven requirements.
Final Thoughts
Salesforce’s new database encryption option offers admins a fresh, simplified way to strengthen data protection, especially for organizations handling sensitive information. While it doesn’t replace Salesforce Shield, it does provide a strong alternative that delivers security without added complexity.
For many businesses, this update represents an easy win: improved protection, minimal impact on functionality, and a more flexible approach to meeting evolving security needs.