What is Single Sign On (SSO)?

    Content of this article

    1. Definition
    2. SSO Tasks

    1. Definition

    A Single Sign On system essentially handles the registration and administration of users and their data. 
    Its aims among others:
    • the simplest and most convenient usage possible for the user
    • maximum possible security of the application and user data
    For a single sign-on process, a user is authenticated once and given blanket authorization. The user can then use this single login to access various integrated areas and applications without barriers.
    This gives the user access to several web applications for which they no longer need to log in separately.

    2. SSO Tasks

    Typically, a SSO often performs one or more of the following tasks in the course of user administration and login:

    • Centralized Authentification:
      SSO allows users to authenticate once and access multiple applications with a single set of credentials.
    • Seamless Access:
      After authentification users can access several applications without having to re-enter their login data.
    • Increased Security:
      SSO provides a centralized way to manage authentication, reducing the risk of password theft or misuse. 
    • User Management:
      SSO solutions provide a centralized user management system with which administrator can create, edit and delete user accounts.
    • Integration with Identity Providers:
      SSO solutions can be integrated with different identity providers to authenticate users.
    • Auditing:
      SSO solutions provide audit functions with which administrators can monitor user activities and detect suspicious behavior.
    • Mobile Access:
      SSO solutions can enable mobile access to applications allowing the user to access their applications from everywhere and at any time.
    • Password Management:
      SSO solutions can provide functions for password management, e. g. password reset, passwort synchronization and password guidelines.
    • Session Management:
      SSO solutions can manage user sessions and enforce session timeout guidelines to ensure that users are automatically be logged out after a certain period of inactivity or are not running multiple parallel sessions.
    An overview of all main functions of the plenigo SSO is available here.
    Published