Terms

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications and systems using a single set of login credentials. By centralizing the authentication process, SSO eliminates the need for users to manage separate passwords for each service, which enhances both user convenience and overall security. This approach is widely used in business environments to streamline access to various internal and cloud-based tools.

Benefits of Single Sign-On

Implementing SSO offers significant advantages for both end-users and the organization as a whole. It streamlines workflows, bolsters security, and reduces the administrative burden on IT departments, leading to widespread improvements.

  • Convenience: Users log in once to access all their applications, eliminating password fatigue.
  • Security: Centralized authentication reduces the risk of phishing and encourages stronger, unique passwords.
  • Efficiency: Reduces time spent on password resets for both users and IT support staff.
  • Control: IT teams can centrally manage access policies and quickly revoke permissions when needed.
  • Compliance: Centralized logging simplifies auditing and helps meet regulatory requirements.

Common Use Cases for SSO

SSO is a versatile tool commonly used in business settings to manage user access across a wide range of applications. It simplifies authentication for employees, especially remote workers, who need seamless entry into various cloud services and internal systems.

  • Enterprise: Streamlining employee access to a mix of cloud and on-premise applications.
  • SaaS: Simplifying login for users accessing multiple third-party Software-as-a-Service platforms.
  • Federation: Enabling users to log into third-party sites using credentials from providers like Google or Microsoft.
  • Security: Centralizing user deprovisioning and enforcing consistent security policies across all connected services.

Single Sign-On (SSO) vs. Federated Identity Management (FIM)

While often used together, SSO and FIM serve distinct purposes in managing digital identities and access control.

  • SSO: Focuses on user convenience within a single organization, allowing access to multiple applications with one login. While it simplifies access and reduces password fatigue, it can be a single point of failure. Enterprises use it to streamline internal employee access to a suite of managed applications.
  • FIM: A broader framework enabling identity sharing across different organizations. It's essential for business partnerships, allowing users from one company to securely access another's systems. While powerful for cross-domain trust, implementation can be complex. It's preferred for mergers or collaborations with external vendors.

Security Considerations with SSO

While SSO enhances convenience, it also centralizes risk, creating a single point of failure. If an attacker compromises a user's single set of credentials, they can gain access to all connected applications. This makes the SSO login a high-value target for phishing attacks and other forms of credential theft.

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is crucial. MFA adds a vital layer of security beyond just a password. Organizations should also enforce strong password policies and monitor for suspicious activity to secure the centralized authentication point.

Implementing SSO in Your Organization

This is how you can implement single sign-on in your organization.

  1. Choose an SSO provider and select an authentication protocol like SAML or OIDC that fits your system's needs.
  2. Set up an identity provider (IdP) and integrate it with your existing user directories, such as Active Directory.
  3. Configure your applications (service providers) to establish a trust relationship with the IdP, allowing them to accept its authentication tokens.
  4. Enforce security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls to protect the system.
  5. Thoroughly test the integration across all applications before deploying it to your users.

Frequently Asked Questions about Single Sign-On (SSO)

How does SSO handle different applications?

SSO uses protocols like SAML or OIDC. The identity provider authenticates you once, then sends a secure digital token to each application to confirm your identity without sharing your password. This establishes a trusted session across services.

Isn't SSO just a glorified password manager?

No. A password manager stores and autofills unique credentials for many sites. SSO centralizes authentication, allowing you to use one set of credentials to access multiple applications directly, eliminating the need for separate passwords altogether.

What happens if our SSO provider has an outage?

An SSO provider outage can block access to all connected applications. To mitigate this, organizations often implement redundancy, failover systems, or provide emergency access methods for critical services to ensure business continuity during downtime.

Other terms

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Customer Segmentation

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Sales Prospecting Software

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Sales Automation

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Data Cleansing

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Marketing Mix

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Sales Pipeline Reporting

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Voice Broadcasting

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Firewall

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CRM Analytics

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CRM Analytics

Contract Management

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Lead Scoring

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Sales Sequence

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Return on Marketing Investment

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Event Marketing

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Forward Revenue

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Early Adopter

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Digital Rights Management

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Target Account Selling

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Compliance Testing

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Sales and Marketing Analytics

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Integration Testing

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Single Page Applications

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Warm Outbound

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Sales Pipeline Velocity

Sales pipeline velocity is a metric that measures how quickly deals move through your sales funnel to generate revenue for your business.

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Expansion Revenue

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Virtual Private Cloud

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Virtual Private Cloud

Closed Lost

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Closed Lost

Lead Enrichment Software

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Lead Enrichment Software

Data-Driven Marketing

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Loyalty Programs

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Hard Sell

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AI-Powered Marketing

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Demand Generation Framework

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Database Management

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SFDC

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B2B Intent Data

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Adobe Analytics

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CRM Integration

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Omnichannel Marketing

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Sales and Marketing Alignment

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Sales Pitch

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Application Programming Interface

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Buying Committee

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Sales Metrics

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Total Audience Measurement

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Lead Generation Funnel

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SEM

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Customer Relationship Marketing

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Generic Keywords

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Net New Business

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Lead Routing

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Lead Generation

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Objection

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Decision Maker

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Sales Compensation

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Regression Testing

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Purchase Buying Stage

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Edge Locations

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AppExchange

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B2B Marketing Attribution

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Latency

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Latency

Customer Data Platform (CDP)

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Custom API integration

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Sales Champion

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Click-Through Rate

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Lead Conversion

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Stress Testing

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Stress Testing

Affiliate Marketing

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Request for Information

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Git

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Messaging Strategy

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Messaging Strategy

Revenue Operations KPIs

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Load Balancing

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Letter of Intent

Inside Sales

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Inside Sales