What is Single Sign-On?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an identification system that allows users to log in with a single set of credentials to gain access to several applications. The SSO solution acts as the bridge between the user and multiple systems or applications and handles the authentication protocols in the background. It is a streamlined way of managing user accesses and reducing the burden of remembering multiple usernames and passwords.
Why Single Sign-On Exists?
The existence of the SSO system is primarily due to the need for convenience and improved security. As the number of online platforms and systems increased, so did the need for unique username/password combinations. This resulted in the challenge of managing these multiple credentials. Single Sign On was invented to address this problem by allowing users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Additionally, SSO enhances security by reducing the occurrence of lost or forgotten passwords and discourages the practice of using weak or duplicate passwords across different systems.
Who Needs Single Sign-On?
Single Sign-On is particularly beneficial for businesses and organizations that use multiple software platforms or applications. Companies with a large number of employees, and consequently, more user accounts to manage would find SSO useful in improving productivity and reducing time spent on lost password recovery. Furthermore, businesses that need to comply with certain security regulations may implement SSO as a method of ensuring secure and controlled access to their systems.
Single Sign-On in Cloud Infrastructure and SaaS
In the context of Cloud infrastructure and Software as a Service (SaaS), SSO has become an essential feature. As cloud-based platforms and SaaS applications become more common in business operations, the need for secure and efficient access management has risen. SSO provides a solution by acting as a unified front door to all these separate services. This means that users can access multiple cloud services or SaaS applications with just one set of credentials, promoting efficiency and security.
In conclusion, Single Sign-On is a common and powerful tool used in various sectors to provide easy yet secure access to multiple systems. Its adoption is becoming the norm in the business world, especially in environments rich in tech and online tools. Whether your organization is big or small, having an SSO system can benefit both your user experience and your overall security.