Salesforce Platform Developer Practice Exam

Are encrypted fields usable in search results?

1. Yes, they are

2. No, they cannot be

3. Only partially

4. Only with specific configurations

The correct answer is: Yes, they are

Encrypted fields in Salesforce are designed to protect sensitive data by encrypting it at rest. When it comes to their usability in search results, the answer is that they are not directly searchable in the traditional sense. The primary functionality of encrypted fields is to secure the data, and as a result, their visibility and accessibility vary based on how they are configured. While some "search-like" functionalities exist, such as using list views or reporting features that are tied to a user’s permissions, encrypted fields typically do not appear in search results or are only shown as encrypted values without revealing the actual data. Therefore, stating that they are usable in search results isn't accurate since users cannot search and retrieve the actual content of these fields through standard search functions due to encryption. The most accurate understanding of encrypted fields is that they enhance data security, which may limit their direct use in various functional areas, including searching, rather than allowing unrestricted accessibility. Thus, the correct interpretation of their functionality would lean towards restricted access rather than full usability in search contexts.