Single Sign-on
A simplified way of logging in is Single Sign-on or SSO. This technique ensures that a user does not have to log in to an application every time. After logging in once, the user automatically gains access to the various applications within the network. This is because login is made to a central server where other services are integrated. The main purpose of Single Sign-on is to improve ease of use. But there are a number of other benefits that are important:
- Easy scalability: The system administrator does not have to manually create credentials each time and thus human (typing) errors are less likely to occur
- Promote productivity: Time savings for the IT team and other employees can increase employee productivity
- Improved security: Because one only has to remember one password, more complex password choices are chosen more quickly. It does make sense to employ Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for an additional security feature
- Reducing access risks: Third-party services can also be used via some form of authentication as long as they are compatible with the central authentication system
The operation of Single Sign-on
With the emergence of more and more types of applications came the disadvantage of having to log in every time. For this problem, Single Sign-on is a strong solution. In addition, SSO offers significant advantages for the system administrator. In a large organization, implementing Single Sign-on creates a lot less chaos by limiting login procedures, such as overseeing security and rights management in a simpler way.
But what does the one-time login mean with Single Sign-on? Single sign-on is because one can log in with one set of credentials. The SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) protocol then passes the security information to the other systems. In short: With Single Sign-on, you only have one login to remember that can be used on all systems.
