Why Single Sign On (SSO) Should Not Be Overlooked for Improved Cybersecurity

Introduction

Single sign-on (SSO) has emerged as a critical component of an organization’s information technology security frameworks. In current times, where companies are experiencing data breaches and identity thefts, SSO adds security that businesses cannot fold. In this article, we will explain why the implementation of SSO should be the next priority concerning security.

It is often the case that employees are managing tens of passwords for all the software, applications, tools, and accounts required within their working environment. It is almost impossible to try and memorize so many different passwords, including numerical and special symbols. In many cases, what is used is rudimentary or very similar to the previous one, which is easily deciphered by the hackers. Using the same password in different accounts also puts more data at risk if one account is hacked. A breach on one application can easily infect a system when people reuse their passwords across the board.

How SSO Improves Security

By definition, SSO solutions are designed to eradicate these password risks. The user is able to use one ID and password to log in to all his or her internet applications and networks. This password is often more secure because it incorporates two-factor or multi-factor authentication for further confirmation it is the right person logging in.

For instance, to access the application, one might be expected to enter a password, answer a security question, or even crucial a code obtained from a smartphone. This additional layer prevents even a hacker who has the password to get past the system. SSO also improves security with the help of more effective identity management since the administrators can provide or remove the necessary employee’s access at once. For these reasons, it also has encryption, authorization protocols, and other security best practices to prevent the exposure of credentials and data.

Convenience and Productivity Benefits

Of course, SSO saves employee’s time who do not have to bother with ‘password fatigue.’ Research found that weak password practices sap time because employees forget the credentials or have to go through password recovery processes. It helps them to get the resources they require within the shortest time possible hence enhancing efficiency.

Another implication is that if an employee has fewer passwords to memorize, he or she will not be inclined to take shortcuts on the issue of security. As the users are forced by the systems to create multiple passwords, they end up writing them down or using weak ones that may be easy to guess. SSO does away with this frustration for better control of access.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Despite the fact that SSO provides security and productivity benefits, changing the established system can elicit specific resistance. Users are passive and may not be willing to learn a new process or even change passwords they have been using for some time now.

IT managers should focus on the long-term advantages, offer training, and initially implement SSO for a few departments to see how it works. When employees realize that their lives at work have been made more accessible by the change, there will be increased organizational adoption.

Considering that SSO implements a broad range of services spanning multiple domains, it is crucial to incorporate SSO with legacy systems, which are utilised in many organisations worldwide.

Of course, SSO cannot perform miracles and immediately unify all existing platforms and applications. SSO capabilities have to be integrated with existing legacy systems, home grown databases, specialty software and other applications and technologies that may not fully incorporate.

While it can take months or years to fully integrate SSO with all systems as the systems are updated, organizations can use the SSO strategy to group the primary system access in a short time while enhancing the rest of the functionality. Cloud-based applications and SaaS deployment models also play a role in enabling faster SSO adoption in organizations.

Conclusion

Cyber security is a strategic necessity that cannot be overlooked in today’s business world. SSO is a way to recommend closing vulnerabilities since it eliminates password risks and enhances the use of the access control mechanism through a multi-factor approach. It also results in higher rates of adoption among employees who are less likely to circumvent the security measures.

Though organizations may face challenges such as budget limitations, existing systems, and resistance to change, the benefits of implementing SSO are simply priceless in the long run. The integration of SSO should always be a priority as security and productivity are some of the core factors that determine an organization’s success.