Unlocking Lightning Login: Your Essential Setup Guide

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital world, security and ease of access are paramount. Salesforce has recognized this need by introducing Lightning Login, a secure and accessible way for users to access their Salesforce org without needing a traditional password. This feature utilizes fingerprint authentication through the Salesforce Authenticator App, streamlining the login process while enhancing security.

What is Lightning Login?

Lightning Login was introduced by Salesforce in Winter ’17, and despite its name, it’s not tied exclusively to the Lightning Experience. In fact, Lightning Login works seamlessly with both Salesforce Classic and Lightning Experience.

Instead of using a password, Lightning Login allows users to access their Salesforce accounts using a fingerprint, providing an extra layer of security and convenience. This feature is part of Salesforce’s ongoing effort to ensure orgs are both secure and accessible.

The process works by leveraging the Salesforce Authenticator App on your smartphone in combination with your desktop to approve or reject login requests, bypassing the need for traditional password input.

How to Implement Lightning Login?

Admin Setup:

For admins, setting up Lightning Login is a straightforward process:

1. Activate Lightning Login: Go to the Session Settings in Salesforce and activate Lightning Login.
2. Assign Permissions: Add the permission “Lightning Login User” to either the user’s Permission Set or their Profile.
3. Assign Permissions to Users: If using a Permission Set, assign the permissions to the relevant users.
   
   

User Setup:

Once admins have activated Lightning Login, users can set it up on their devices by following these steps:

1. Install Salesforce Authenticator: Download and install the Salesforce Authenticator app on your mobile device.
   
   
2. Navigate to User Detail Page: Go to your User Detail page in Salesforce and click the “Enroll” link next to Lightning Login.
   
   
3. Identity Verification: Salesforce will send a verification code, which you’ll need to enter to confirm your identity.
   
   
4. Add New Account in Authenticator App: Once verified, open the Salesforce Authenticator app, add a new account, and copy the two-word phrase into Salesforce. Click Connect.
   
   
5. Connect via Authenticator: Tap the “Connect” button in the Salesforce Authenticator mobile app. You will receive an email from Salesforce confirming the new verification method.
   
   
6. Approve Notification: Approve the login request from your Authenticator app.
   
   
7. Completion Email: Once approved, you will receive a final email confirming that you have successfully enrolled in Lightning Login.
   
   
8. Log In: Log out and log back into Salesforce. Make sure to tick the “Remember me” checkbox, and notice the small lightning icon next to your user photo, signifying that Lightning Login is active.
   
   

Logging In with Lightning Login:

Once setup is complete, logging in with Lightning Login is a simple, secure process:

1. Go to Salesforce: Navigate to login.salesforce.com (or your custom domain).
2. Username Selection: Enter your username, and you’ll notice the lightning icon next to your photo.
3. Approve Login: Tap the “Approve” button from the Salesforce Authenticator app on your mobile device.
4. Access Granted: You are now logged in without needing to enter a password!
   
   

Benefits of Lightning Login:

Lightning Login offers several advantages that make it a valuable feature for organizations focused on security and efficiency:

• Improved Security: Eliminating passwords and leveraging fingerprint authentication reduces the risk of phishing attacks or password theft.
• Convenience: No more forgotten passwords or frequent password resets. With just a tap, users can quickly and securely log in.
• User-Friendly: The setup process is simple, and once implemented, it enhances the user experience by allowing seamless access to Salesforce.
  
  

Conclusion:

Lightning Login is a game-changing feature for Salesforce users, combining robust security with user-friendly accessibility. By eliminating the need for passwords and integrating fingerprint authentication, Lightning Login provides a streamlined login process that is both more secure and easier to use. Whether you’re an admin or a user, enabling and using Lightning Login will make accessing Salesforce quicker, safer, and more convenient.

Now that you know how to set it up, give your Salesforce org the security upgrade it deserves!