Most organizations have numerous information technology resources that they use for everything from producing documents to communication to project management. This means that many people have numerous usernames and passwords to remember. Fortunately, there is a simple answer. Use single sign-on, or SSO, at your business to improve productivity and security.
Single Sign-On
Single sign-on is a system that lets you use a single set of login credentials to access numerous accounts and services . So, rather than individually signing on to every program your team uses for work, you can sign on to your SSO system then use that to authenticate you on other applications. Or you can give your customers access to all your different business applications without making them remember different passwords for each one.
How It Works
SSO uses a centralized authentication server to validate user identities and issue access tokens. Some systems also allow you to log into a system without ever creating a set of login credentials (for example, logging into a website with a Google account using OAuth).
The user experience remains roughly the same, however. No matter how the SSO is implemented, there is a single place where user identities are stored, and a single source of authentication decisions even for applications across different domains or service providers. This is called federated identity management.
Benefits of SSO
There are many good reasons to consider using SSO for your organization. These are the top hits:
- Simplify Logins: Simply put, your people don’t need to remember numerous passwords. They can maintain a single set of login credentials and use them to manage their other access needs. It is easier and faster for most users.
- Reduce Phishing Risks: If people aren’t logging into multiple accounts directly, they are less likely to become victims of phishing. They manage all their access to resources through SSO, meaning they are better protected.
- Lessen Load on IT Staff: Team members regularly need to contact IT staff asking for password resets and other assistance. In short, they are using up a lot of personnel time because login credentials can get confusing. Using an SSO system solves this almost immediately.
Using SSO for your business can save a lot of time and enhance productivity. It is worth serious consideration.
SSO and Cybersecurity
There is a misunderstanding of SSO security that makes some people think that it would be a weak point. However, the opposite is true. SSO improves cybersecurity when applied correctly.
The main challenge to security of most IT resources is dealing with the users. People get lazy, use terrible passwords and make bad security decisions. So, having numerous login credentials will worsen security, not improve it. Your users are getting more exhausted because they have too much to remember.
Setting up your systems to use SSO means that your people only need to remember a single set of login credentials each. You can enhance that security with features such as multi-factor authentication. While having a single point of entry may sound like a vulnerability, it is easier to harden single sign-on against attacks than to ensure that dozens of accounts are secure. It enhances security by accounting for user behavior.
Learn More
Get started today with single sign-on. It could help you improve security while making life easier for your team members. These benefits are worth investing the necessary time and energy to learn more.
