Simplifying Cybersecurity with Single Sign-On (SSO)

Introduction

Single sign-on (SSO) is a security technology that has gained significant importance and relevance in protecting organizations of any size. By adopting SSO, the users do not have to authenticate themselves repeatedly to gain access to various applications. Furthermore, SSO improves security by lowering the number of exposure points the attackers can use to gain access.

This article aims at understanding how SSO functions, the advantages, factors to consider when adopting this solution, and its prospects.

How SSO Works

SSO is a session and user authentication system that allows users to log in to several applications using a single set of login details. The SSO software performs the functions of authentication, authorization, and auditing for all the connected software systems and platforms.

As soon as a user logs in through SSO, he or she is authorized to gain access to any resources and applications that have been approved for him without having to re-login. In the background, SSO solutions employ security protocols such as SAML and OAuth to transfer identity information to the involved applications.

Key Benefits of SSO

Implementing SSO delivers several advantages, including:

Enhanced User Experience

SSO eliminates the problem of having to remember different user ids and passwords for each application. This convenience translates into high adoption of the applications that are central to business.

Improved Security 

Using SSO, an organization’s defense strategy only covers one authentication system instead of several application-specific ones. Security teams can then work to tighten up this touch point essential to the flow of data.

Increased Productivity

Research indicates that users spend 12 working days per year dealing with passwords. SSO eradicates this problem since the user can quickly access whichever resource they need.

Reduced Help Desk Tickets

Whenever users do not find it challenging to handle passwords, organizations are not bogged down with tasks such as resetting of passwords. However, it can benefit IT teams to focus on more tactical concerns.

Compliance and Auditability

Many SSO solutions come equipped with log, report, and alert features centralized in the program. A particular emphasis is made on the fact that organizations can easily prove compliance with security regulations and standards.

Considerations for Implementation

Nevertheless, it is essential to understand that obtaining all these benefits of SSO requires periodical planning and carrying out.

Key steps include:

Selecting an Identity Provider

Companies have to decide whether they want to open an in-house IdP or go for a cloud SSO vendor. The last option may be deployed more quickly but it has to use an external service.

Integrating Applications

IT teams must learn about the SSO capabilities and prerequisites for every critical application. Users may need to make more changes in the legacy and custom apps compared to other apps.

Defining Access Policies

Clear user accession policies are another critical requirement of security. Access to resources and data should be limited by the user identity and multi-factor authentication if necessary.

Training Users

To increase usage, organizations should inform their people about SSO and its benefits to the user. It is equally essential to justify the need for enhanced security to secure the support of other stakeholders within the organisation.

The Future of SSO 

With business applications migrating to the cloud as more organizations embrace mobility and the new world of work, implementing SSO is becoming mandatory. SSO is the basis for other identity-related technologies such as PAM and IGA.

New standards such as FIDO2 and WebAuthn will entirely remove passwords for many SSO instances. However, the current generation of users will identify themselves through the biometrics technology such as face and fingerprint scan, which is already integrated into devices. It is thus apparent, that the above password less methods will enhance the security and convenience of access within an organization.

Conclusion

SSO was seen as the next level of add-on easy-to-use technology and has now become the core part of an organization’s information security strategy. In this way, SSO positively impacts security and user satisfaction since users have only a single point of access. When done systematically, SSO offers benefits of convenience to the employees, lessen the load for IT departments, and make it harder for attackers. Implementing SSO today provides a better system and enhanced security for tomorrow’s landscape.