Which protocol should an Integration Architect utilize to create a secure channel between Salesforce and other systems?

Choosing the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol for creating a secure channel between Salesforce and other systems is a robust decision based on its core function and capabilities. TLS is designed specifically to provide secure communication over a network. It encrypts the data that is transmitted, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and is protected from eavesdropping or tampering during its journey between systems.

TLS operates by establishing a secure connection before any data is sent. This was especially relevant for Salesforce integrations, as ensuring data integrity and confidentiality is paramount when interacting with external systems, such as databases, APIs, or other platforms. The popularity and widespread adoption of TLS make it a trusted choice in various applications worldwide.

In contrast, while other options serve specific purposes, they do not inherently provide the same secure channel features as TLS. For instance, SMTP is mainly used for email transmission and lacks the inherent security features that TLS offers. SSH is a protocol typically used for secure remote administration but does not focus specifically on web or API communication. SFTP, while secure for transferring files, operates over SSH and is less versatile in support of a wide range of integrations compared to TLS.

Given the importance of confidentiality and data integrity in integrations with Salesforce, utilizing TLS as the primary means of creating