Single Sign-On (SSO) is a security and authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications or services with a single set of login credentials (username and password). The primary goal of SSO is to simplify the user experience by reducing the need for users to remember and manage multiple sets of login information for different systems.
In a typical SSO scenario, once a user logs in to one application or system, they are granted access to other connected systems without being required to log in again. This is achieved through a centralized authentication server or identity provider, which verifies the user’s credentials and issues tokens or assertions that can be used to access other applications within the same SSO environment.
Key features and benefits of Single Sign-On include:
-
User Convenience: Users only need to remember one set of credentials, which simplifies the login process and reduces the likelihood of forgotten passwords.
-
Improved Security: SSO systems often incorporate strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), enhancing overall security. Additionally, centralized authentication can help enforce consistent security policies.
-
Reduced Password Fatigue: Since users have fewer passwords to remember, they are less likely to use weak passwords or resort to insecure practices like writing down passwords.
-
Efficient Management: IT administrators can manage user access and permissions centrally, making it easier to add or remove users and control access to various systems.
-
Enhanced Productivity: Users can quickly access different applications without the need for repetitive logins, saving time and increasing productivity.
There are different protocols and standards used for implementing SSO, such as Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), OpenID Connect, OAuth, and others. These protocols facilitate secure communication between the identity provider and the service providers, ensuring that user authentication is handled in a standardized and interoperable manner.
