Salesforce Certified Identity and Access Management Practice

What is the primary role of Refresh Tokens in Salesforce?

1. Can be stored within a client app

2. Can expire or be revoked, so the client app has to handle failures

3. Are used repeatedly to gain access, like a password

4. Contain user ID, time issued and client ID

The correct answer is: Are used repeatedly to gain access, like a password

The primary role of Refresh Tokens in Salesforce is to allow applications to maintain access to resources on behalf of a user without requiring the user to re-authenticate each time their access token expires. Refresh tokens are indeed used to obtain new access tokens when the old ones expire. This process is crucial for maintaining a seamless user experience, especially in scenarios where long-running applications or sessions are involved. The refresh token system functions by giving the application the ability to request a new access token whenever necessary, without prompting the user for credentials again. This mechanism not only enhances user convenience but also improves security by limiting the lifespan of access tokens. While refresh tokens do allow for repeated access, they should not be viewed through the lens of being "used like a password." Unlike passwords, which grant initial access, refresh tokens serve a specific role in token renewal rather than authentication, making the option regarding their usage as passwords misleading. Understanding the function of refresh tokens is essential for implementing secure identity and access management practices in Salesforce, as they enable applications to handle token expiration gracefully without disrupting the user experience.