The Salesforce AppExchange ecosystem has evolved dramatically over the past decade, but nothing has changed as significantly as the Security Review process. In 2025, Salesforce tightened validation criteria, enhanced vulnerability scanning, and increased scrutiny over data access, API exposure, and third-party libraries. As a result, ISVs and enterprises need more specialized expertise than ever before.

If you plan to build a new AppExchange product or modernize an existing one, the decision to hire appexchange app developer talent with direct Security Review experience is no longer optional—it is essential. A developer without deep knowledge of the review process can delay your launch by months or even risk rejection for critical vulnerabilities. This guide explains exactly what you should look for, what skills matter in 2025, and how to select the right partner for a smooth and successful submission.

Why Security Review Is More Complex in 2025

Salesforce has introduced several new layers of compliance to protect enterprise customers using AppExchange solutions. These include:

1. Stricter OWASP-Based Validation

The review team now checks for:

• Injection flaws
  
  

• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  
  

• CSRF vulnerabilities
  
  

• Insecure direct object references
  
  

• Misconfigured Apex sharing models
  
  

• Insecure use of Named Credentials
  
  

• Improper handling of PII data

Developers must code defensively and understand how to use platform-native tools such as CRUD/FLS checks, WITH SECURITY_ENFORCED, and Shield Encryption.

2. Enforcement of Updated Third-Party Library Policies

Salesforce now requires all external libraries to be:

• Actively maintained
  
  

• Free of security vulnerabilities
  
  

• Licensed appropriately
  
  

• Version-locked

3. Increased Monitoring of API Usage

Apps must follow principles of:

• Least privilege
  
  

• Secure authentication
  
  

• API limits compliance
  
  

• Controlled data exports

4. Requirements for First-Gen to Second-Gen Packaging (2GP)

2GP is the new standard for AppExchange apps. It improves security, dependency management, and upgrade paths.

A general Salesforce developer may struggle with this. This is why organizations prefer to hire AppExchange app developer talent who already understands the latest review frameworks.

Why You Should Hire an AppExchange App Developer Instead of a General Salesforce Developer

Many companies make the mistake of assuming that any certified Salesforce developer can build an AppExchange-ready app. In reality, AppExchange development is its own specialized discipline requiring advanced knowledge of:

• ISV development standards
  
  

• Packaging (1GP and 2GP)
  
  

• License management and provisioning
  
  

• Subscriber org debugging
  
  

• LMA integration
  
  

• App analytics
  
  

• Automated security testing
  
  

• Managed package restrictions

Only when you hire AppExchange app developer talent who understands these nuances can you avoid costly missteps and failed security submissions.

Essential Skills You Should Look for in 2025

Here is a detailed checklist to evaluate candidates effectively:

1. Mastery in Security Review Best Practices

A qualified developer must know how to:

• Pass PMD, Checkmarx, and static code scans
  
  

• Implement strict FLS/CRUD checks
  
  

• Apply the WITH SECURITY_ENFORCED clause in queries
  
  

• Use Platform Encryption or Shield where required
  
  

• Avoid storing sensitive data in logs or custom settings

Ask for examples of past security review submissions.

2. Strong LWC & Modern UI Engineering Skills

Most AppExchange apps require high-performance LWC-based interfaces.
The developer should demonstrate expertise in:

• LWC security
  
  

• Client-side DOM restrictions
  
  

• Event handling security patterns

3. Deep Understanding of 2GP Packaging

2GP requires a new mindset about modular architecture.
Your developer must be able to:

• Build unlocked or managed 2GP packages
  
  

• Manage second-generation namespaces
  
  

• Maintain versioning and backward compatibility

4. Integration & API Security Skills

Apps that integrate with external systems face higher scrutiny.
A strong candidate must know how to:

• Apply Named Credentials
  
  

• Protect remote site callouts
  
  

• Implement OAuth flows securely

5. Experience in the Full AppExchange Lifecycle

From ideation to publishing, developers should understand:

• Business listing creation
  
  

• LMA setup
  
  

• Trialforce configuration
  
  

• Post-install configurations
  
  

• Subscriber access model

This background is critical when you hire AppExchange app developer talent who can work independently and avoid submission delays.

Why ISVs Need to Hire an AppExchange App Developer with Security Review Success

Enterprises trust the AppExchange because Salesforce enforces security at the highest level. This makes it vital to hire AppExchange app developer teams who:

• Build apps faster with fewer vulnerabilities
  
  

• Minimize security-related rework
  
  

• Understand Salesforce-coded security mechanisms
  
  

• Reduce the risk of rejection
  
  

• Ensure commercial, scalable product releases

In 2025, ISVs are under more pressure to deliver secure, compliant, scalable apps quickly. Hiring the right developer is directly linked to faster time-to-market and higher AppExchange performance.

How to Interview an AppExchange Developer: Proven Questions

Here are key questions to ask:

1. How many apps have you submitted for Security Review?

You need developers with demonstrable experience.

2. Can you explain how you handle CRUD/FLS in Apex and LWC?

Listen for precise, technically correct answers.

3. What static code analysis tools do you use?

PMD, Checkmarx, and ESLint plugins are standard.

4. How do you ensure your app is compliant with the latest Salesforce guidelines?

Look for references to:

• Salesforce Security Review Guide
  
  

• Salesforce ISVforce documentation
  
  

• OWASP Top 10

5. Can you walk through your 2GP packaging strategy?

If they cannot answer this clearly, reconsider their candidacy.

Final Thoughts: Why Hiring the Right Developer Determines Your App’s Success

Security Review is no longer a simple compliance checklist—it’s a strategic differentiator. ISVs that deliver secure, scalable, polished apps win more customers and gain higher trust on the AppExchange.

To achieve that, you must hire AppExchange app developer experts who bring a blend of:

• Security compliance expertise
  
  

• AppExchange lifecycle knowledge
  
  

• Secure coding practices
  
  

• Packaging mastery
  
  

• Modern UI and integration skills

The cost of hiring the wrong developer is far higher than investing in a true specialist. With the right expert, your app reaches the market faster, passes Security Review smoothly, and earns long-term customer confidence.