Single sign-on (SSO) is a technology that lets users log in to multiple apps and websites with one set of credentials. SSO is often part of an identity management (IAM) solution and enables organizations to provision and deprovision users more easily, which helps them comply with compliance regulations.
SSO eliminates password fatigue for users and reduces support calls to help desks. Learn why this is a must have for online businesses.
Streamlined Access
With SSO, employees can login to any of the systems that a business uses from one single place. This means a uniform user experience and streamlined access for employees and customers alike.
It also prevents shadow IT, in which employees use unauthorized software on workplace servers to bypass company security measures. By requiring all logins through SSO, IT admins can monitor employee activity and protect the system from hacks and breaches.
It can also reduce help desk calls by eliminating the need to reset passwords. Additionally, if users only have to remember one set of credentials, they are more likely to choose strong passwords, which can also improve their security posture.
Increased Security
Single sign-on is an authentication method that allows users to log in to multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Typically, SAML-based SSO services like www.microsoft.com/link authenticate a user by communicating between an Identity Provider that maintains a user directory and Service Providers that manage and provide access to apps, websites, and networks.
SSO eliminates the need for employees to create and manage passwords for each app, and it also allows IT teams to track and monitor user account access. This helps reduce security risks related to passwords and unauthorized application access, and it saves time for both users and IT teams who don’t have to spend so much time managing logins and resetting passwords.
This can also increase employee productivity, as it cuts down on the time they need to access their work applications and online resources. This feature can also be used in conjunction with risk-based authentication (RBA) to prevent cyber crimes like password theft.
Boosted Customer Satisfaction
For businesses, SSO offers a wealth of benefits. It simplifies login processes for employees, reduces password fatigue, and helps to strengthen overall security measures. Additionally, the ability to access multiple applications using a single set of credentials reduces risk of data loss caused by lost or stolen passwords.
SSO authentication methods can also be paired with MDM solutions to enforce device-level security policies and manage user access to corporate resources on mobile devices. This can further enhance security and improve employee satisfaction in the workplace.
A good SSO solution will integrate with popular application ecosystems like project management tools, customer relationship management software, and cloud-based storage solutions. It should also support a variety of protocols and offer the flexibility to customize user authentication experiences. SSO providers like Okta offer specialized services and platforms designed to streamline logins and bolster security. They can help organizations avoid compatibility issues and simplify integration with legacy systems. They can also provide more comprehensive security features, such as centralized user management and multi-factor authentication.
Increased Productivity
The ability to authenticate once and access multiple applications and systems without having to re-enter credentials every time is an excellent feature for businesses. It also allows employees to be more productive at work because they don’t have to spend time resetting passwords or navigating different platforms.
To take advantage of SSO, businesses need to have the right tech infrastructure in place. An Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform with pre-built connections and APIs to common business apps will provide the best results for a successful integration. These platforms also often offer additional features like centralized user management and multi-factor authentication, which can improve security posture significantly.
It is also critical to consider what legacy systems will be integrated into the SSO. These systems may need extra configuration to be compatible with the chosen solution, which is why proper planning and preparation are essential. This can save time and resources in the long run and ensure that users have a positive experience.