Author: Trevor Schofield

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.

Introduction

A cracked or damaged computer screen is inconvenient and prevents device use at times or completely. In the case of a broken monitor, one of the initial questions that may come to mind is, “How much will it cost to fix this?” The cost of fixing a computer screen depends on various factors, such as the type of device, size of the screen, and the company you take it to, among others. In this article, you will get acquainted with the average repair cost of a computer screen and the factors affecting that price.

Screen Types and Sizes

The costs of repairing screens vary depending on whether it is a laptop or a desktop computer. Repairs also tend to be relatively expensive, depending on the screen size to be repaired.

Laptop Screens

– Consumer laptops with screen sizes ranging between 11 inches and 15 inches may cost $100 to $250 to replace.

– Laptops that fall under this category include larger laptop sizes in the 17” to 19” range, and the cost of a new screen ranges between $250 and $400+.

Desktop Monitors

– The cost of a Basic 19” to 22” desktop LCD monitor can usually be replaced for $50 to $150.

– Bigger 24” and 27” monitors are more expensive; it will cost from $150 to $300 for a replacement.

– Things like a curved screen or a 4K monitor are costly, and repair costs can easily exceed $500.

Other Devices

– Depending on the screen size, a cheap tablet starts from $50 as a generic 7” to 10” budget tablet up to $200+ for a 12. 9” iPad Pro tablet screen replacement.

– HID desktops can range from $200 to $400+ because of their specific touch screens and repair mechanisms.

Where to Get Computer Screens Fixed

Another cost factor is where you get your computer screen fixed. Usually, independent first-party centers such as an Apple store or Dell service center will be the most costly. It is seen that third-party repair shops are generally cheaper most of the time. Self-installation of screens is the most cost-effective but not so safe for harm.

Apple Store/Manufacturer

– Apple has high prices, especially when it comes to fixing iPhone screens where they charge $500+, for example.

– There is even extra cost from Dell, HP and other manufacturers who will sell laptop screens for over $400 sometimes for a fundamental model.

Third-Party Repair Shops

– Some local repair shops can replace basic 15” laptop screens for $200 or less in some cases.

– This can be illustrated by the national chains such as UbreakIFix that charges between $120 to $350 for most laptop and tablet screens depending on the make and model.

DIY Screen Replacements

– This way, you are able to get the part for a wholesale price while you have to do the screen replacement yourself. This can mean getting basic laptop screens for as low as $50 to $120.

– However, making these repairs can be done by anyone with the knowledge of handling small electronics and tools. There is also a greater risk of unintended consequences.

Challenges That Explain Why Screen Replacement Cost is High

While the above provides general price ranges, several things can increase the total screen repair cost including:

– Devices that are relatively new in the market and which few manufacturers make replacement parts for.

– Higher cost attributes such as the touch screen, OLED, or high-resolution screens that are costly to produce.

– Paying a higher price to get the repair done in a big city of a metropolitan area.

– Complex designs or technologies used in the product that may hinder its repair process.

– Additional components like the laptop’s bezel or lid may sometimes need replacement in the course of repairing the laptop.

Ways to Minimize on the Cost of Screen Repair

If you need to get a computer screen fixed, here are some tips to save money:

– If you prefer to make the repairs yourself, you can buy the screens through the internet at cheaper and wholesale rates. As long as it is for the exact model number then you are good to go.

– Look at local repair shops where third-party technicians repair phones and electronics for the best prices on things such as iPhone screens and simple laptop repair.

– Use only first party repair shops such as Apple’s own campuses or the Apple Store like the Genius Bar when still under warranty or concrete repairs where third parties cannot manage.

– When you are out on the market to purchase a new computer, it is wise to invest in a warranty or protection plan so that you can avoid the high costs of servicing the screen in future.

– If the cost is more than half the value of the device, then it is advisable to replace the device.

Conclusion

The cost of fixing a cracked computer screen can range from $50 for a do-it-yourself fix of a desktop monitor to $500+ for first-party repairs. Costs of laptop screens range between $100 to $400 depending on the size and brand of the device among independent repair shops. When a screen is cracked, one should assess the make/model, available repair services, and the age of the phone to make a wise financial choice.