Glossary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Single Sign On (SSO)

FAQ

1. How does SSO work with SaaS applications?

When a user logs into a SaaS application, the SSO system is called upon to verify the user’s identity. If the user has already signed into another SaaS application under the same SSO system, they will automatically be granted access without needing to re-enter their credentials. This makes managing and accessing SaaS applications more convenient for the user.

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2. How does SSO contribute to Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

SSO, an important component of IAM, helps streamline the authentication process, enforcing secure policies across multiple applications. Also, SSO and IAM work hand-in-hand on permission management - once user identity is verified through SSO, IAM tools define the user roles and determine what data and applications the user can access.

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3. How does SSO handle temporary access and least privilege access?

In SSO systems, temporary access can be granted by setting a time duration for which the user can access certain services. Also, the principle of least privilege access can be implemented with SSO in conjunction with IAM system where users are only given bare minimum access rights necessary for their roles. This limits their ability to access sensitive information, enhancing cybersecurity.

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4. How does SSO improve security within a DevOps environment?

SSO reduces the potential risks related to password management like password fatigue, phishing attacks, and insecure password storage. By limiting the number of times users have to manually enter their credentials, the likelihood of credentials being compromised decreases. This is particularly beneficial in a DevOps environment, where rapid and frequent access to multiple applications is necessary.

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