Single Sign-On

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a method used by organizations to allow users to access multiple applications or services using a single set of login credentials, such as a username and password. Essentially, once a user logs in to one application, they are automatically authenticated and granted access to other connected applications without needing to re-enter their credentials.

The process typically involves three main components:

1. Identity Provider (IdP): This is where the user authentication process begins. The Identity Provider is responsible for verifying the user’s identity using their login credentials. Once authenticated, the IdP generates a token that contains information about the user’s identity and permissions.

2. Service Provider (SP): Service Providers are the applications or services that users want to access. These could be internal applications within an organization or external services provided by third-party vendors. When a user attempts to access a Service Provider, it redirects them to the Identity Provider for authentication.

3. Token-based Authentication: Instead of sharing the user’s login credentials between applications, SSO relies on the exchange of tokens. After successful authentication by the IdP, a token is generated containing information about the user and their permissions. This token is then passed to the Service Provider, which validates it and grants access to the user.

SSO offers several benefits, including:

• Convenience: Users only need to remember one set of credentials, reducing the need to manage multiple passwords.
• Improved Security: With SSO, there are fewer opportunities for passwords to be compromised or forgotten, as users are less likely to resort to insecure practices such as password reuse or writing down passwords.
• Centralized Control: Organizations can centrally manage user access and permissions, making it easier to enforce security policies and revoke access when necessary.
• Enhanced User Experience: SSO simplifies the login process, leading to a smoother and more efficient user experience.

Popular SSO protocols and technologies include Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), OAuth, and OpenID Connect, each offering different features and capabilities suited to various use cases and environments.

For more: https://www.infisign.io/post/how-does-single-sign-on-sso-work