Single Sign-On

SSO (Single Sign-On) is a method of authentication and access control that grants authorized users access to multiple applications with a single input of their credentials. This central identity management system then allows users to access applications without the need to re-enter their credentials.

For individuals and organizations that use many different applications on a daily basis, the impact on efficiency when inputting multiple passwords, along with the growing pains of password fatigue can be detrimental to productivity.

Productivity Benefits of SSO

In a study by Beyond Identity, it was found that companies lose an average of $480 worth of productivity per employee due to time spent on passwords. SSO eliminates the need to enter multiple passwords, streamlining the user experience and allowing more time and effort to be spent on productive tasks.

Also, many SSO protocols like SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OAuth can be integrated with various types of applications, including both on-premises and cloud-based services, as well as mobile applications. This provides a more consistent login experience across many platforms, streamlining the user experience even further.

From an IT Administrator's perspective, it is also easier to keep track an organization's forms of access management when using SSO. This is crucial when performing regular audits and dealing with password reset and recovery requests.

Security Benefits of SSO

To some, SSO solutions may seem to compromise security, as multiple accounts are held by a single 'master password.' In reality, this can significantly decrease the chances of a security breach, as users are only required to remember a single, likely more secure, password. 

By centralizing systems of user authentication, SSO can also improve security by better equipping administrators to monitor user actions and enforce robust authentication policies such as MFA integration and proper password hygiene.