Users that use Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication can log into various apps and systems with just one set of login information. Using SSO, users only need to authenticate once to access a variety of sites without having to enter their credentials repeatedly.
A typical authentication paradigm calls for a unique username and password for each application or system. Several passwords can be difficult for users to remember, and if passwords are not properly handled, security issues may result.
Users who use SSO only need to authenticate once to access all the resources to which they have been granted access. The sharing of authentication data between various apps and systems is made possible by the use of authentication protocols like Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or OpenID Connect (OIDC).
By lowering the number of authentication points and the requirement to store and manage numerous sets of credentials, SSO can increase user productivity, make password management simpler, and improve security.
Pros, the benefits
- Better user experience: SSO makes it easier for users to log in by allowing them to authenticate just once and utilise that information to access different resources without having to enter it again.
- Enhanced productivity: SSO saves time and lessens the possibility of forgotten passwords and lockouts by removing the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords.
- Improved security: By lowering the likelihood of password-related security issues including weak passwords, password reuse, and phishing assaults, SSO can increase security.
- SSO offers centralised user management, which administrators can utilise to more easily control user access to various resources and cancel access as needed.
- Compliance: SSO can aid firms in observing user access management regulations including HIPAA, SOX, and GDPR.
- Savings: By removing the need for users to contact IT support for password resets or account lockouts, SSO can lower the cost of password management and maintenance.
Cons, the drawbacks
- Implementation complexity: Integrating SSO with current systems and apps can be difficult and requires a lot of upfront work.
- SSO presents a single point of failure, where users are unable to access any resources if the SSO system fails, which can have a big impact on productivity.
- Dependence on third-party services: SSO may call for reliance on third-party providers for user management and authentication, which comes with added concerns.
- User data privacy: SSO necessitates the sharing of user data between many systems and applications, which, if handled improperly, may give rise to privacy concerns.
- Issues with compatibility: Not all systems and apps may be compatible with SSO, necessitating additional work to interface with legacy systems or custom applications.
- Increased possibility of account compromise: If an attacker is able to access a user’s SSO credentials, they may be able to access several systems and resources, which increases the likelihood that a security breach may cause more harm than good.
SSO has a number of advantages, including enhanced security, better user experience, more productivity, centralised user management, compliance, and cost savings. Considerable disadvantages include technical complexity, single points of failure, reliance on third parties, user data privacy, compatibility concerns, and an elevated chance of account compromise. SSO can, in general, offer consumers a quick and safe authentication process, but it’s crucial to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of SSO and handle each of them to ensure effective installation and user adoption.