Single sign-on (SSO) is a widely used technology in identity and access management (IAM) systems. When a network has multiple participants and users, you need robust identity management to identify users, verify their login credentials and authorise their access.
However, managing multiple accounts, login usernames and passwords can become a daily challenge. One of the biggest advantages of single sign-on is that it offers a solution for this issue.
Understand Single Sign-On Solutions
Single sign-on is an authentication system that allows you to access multiple apps, services or network segments with a single set of login credentials. Instead of entering separate credentials for each application and service in a single network, you can centralise authentication that enables seamless access across these resources.
The best example of single sign-on solutions is Google Workspace. Once you log into your Google account, you can access Google Docs, Google Spreadsheet, Gmail, GMeet and more. This approach simplifies your login process and enhances security.
Advantages of Single Sign-On
Magnified Productivity
Increased productivity is one of the primary benefits of SSO as a network owner. Your users can find it difficult to remember and repeatedly input multiple credentials to access different segments of your network.
With a single sign-on, employees and users can seamlessly transition between systems, reducing workflow disruptions and downtime. Improved workplace productivity and smooth user experience are common reasons why single sign-on is important for your business.
Enhanced Security
SSO centralises the identification and authentication of users. This reduces the risk of weak, reused or forgotten passwords. These are a few common vulnerabilities in cyber security that attackers choose to attack.
Combined with other security measures, like MFA and other tools, SSO minimises unauthorised access by leveraging advanced encryption.
Better Usability Experience
Since SSO simplifies the login process, users usually have a seamless login experience. Whether employees are trying to access your network’s internal tools or customers using digital services, SSO ensures seamless navigation, improving overall satisfaction and engagement.
Integrable with MFA and RBA
One of the primary benefits of SSO is that it is collaborative. When combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and risk-based authentication (RBA), SSO becomes even more powerful.
MFA adds a layer of security by requiring verification through multiple factors. Additionally, RBA enhances this by dynamically assessing the risk level of login attempts. Together, these collaborations strengthen SSO while maintaining convenience.
Regulatory Compliance
Industry-standard regulations like HIPAA, GDPR and PCI DSS offer enhanced network security. SSO simplifies regulatory compliance by providing centralised control, network monitoring and detailed audit trails for access management.
This advantage of single sign-on ensures that sensitive data is protected and that your network meets legal obligations.
Why is Single Sign-On Important for Your Business?
- For your business network, SSO will enhance customer satisfaction by providing a streamlined and hassle-free user experience.
- When SSO consolidates the authentication process, SSO reduces the likelihood of data breaches due to password vulnerabilities.
- You can fortify your network’s security by integrating SSO with multiple security protocols and measures.
- The single sign-on approach can significantly reduce IT costs, as most help desk queries concern forgotten passwords.
Final Thoughts
Today, everyone understands the threats posed by cybersecurity attacks and the importance of countering them with network security.
Single sign-on is one of the many tools that help you enhance your security quotient by minimising the vulnerabilities that follow reused and weak passwords. If you are a network owner, SSO will streamline your IT and access management and safeguard sensitive information.
So, the benefits of SSO extend to both users and network owners.
