Learn about the Features, Advantages and Disadvantages of Single Sign On
Advantages of Using SSO
Single Sign On helps users save time and effort. For instance: With SSO, corporate end users can access all the applications they require during the day by logging into the corporate intranet just once, as opposed to logging into numerous applications many times.
However, SSO can offer several further advantages by drastically lowering the quantity of user accounts administrators must oversee and the quantity of passwords users must memorize.
Decreased fatigue from passwords
Individuals who have a lnternet of Things of passwords to remember frequently fall into the dangerous and harmful practice of using the same short, weak passwords or tiny variations on them for each application. If a hacker manages to crack one of these passwords, they can quickly access numerous applications. SSO enables users to combine several short, weak passwords into a single, long, strong password that is more harder for hackers to crack and easy for users to remember.
Reduced vulnerabilities linked to credentials and passwords
The IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024 reports that the number of cyberattacks using compromised or stolen credentials increased by 71% in 2023 compared to 2024. SSO can lessen or completely do away with the need for password managers, spreadsheets, sticky notes, and other memory aids that give hackers targets or make it simpler for the wrong individuals to find or steal passwords.
Reduced calls to the help desk
20 to 50 percent of IT help desk calls are over lost passwords or password resets, according to industry analyst Gartner. With help desk support, the majority of SSO solutions make it simple for users to change their own passwords.
Streamlined security administration
According to a research by the IBM Institute for Business Value, 52% of executives believe that the largest obstacle to security operations is complexity. Administrators may more easily and centrally manage access rights and account provisioning with SSO. Administrators can decommission the user account and remove permissions more quickly when a user departs the company.
Enhanced adherence to regulations
SSO can facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements pertaining to data access control and security of personally identifiable information (PII), as well as particular needs in certain regulations, like HIPAA, regarding session time-outs.
Risks to SSO security
SSO’s main risk is that an attacker might gain access to all or most of the network’s resources and apps if a user’s credentials were stolen. However, this worst-case situation may be avoided in large part by requiring users to set lengthy and complicated passwords and to securely encrypt and safeguard those passwords wherever they are kept.
Most security experts recommend MFA or 2FA for any SSO implementation. 2FA and MFA require an ID card, fingerprint, or mobile device code in addition to a password. MFA reduces SSO credential risks because hackers can’t easily steal or spoof these extra credentials.
Disadvantages of Single Sign On
Despite the advantages of web application SSO, these tools come with considerable dangers and trade-offs. Among the drawbacks of web app SSO are:
Expensive/optimal at scale
In short, SSO can quickly become costly. SSO can be very beneficial for smaller businesses, but it can also put a significant financial strain on them. Since the majority of key functions are add-ons and many SSO vendors charge separately for each item, the costs mount up rapidly.
Needs an IdP
An organization’s IdP/directory service is the foundation of any SSO solution. Usually built on top of a directory, SSO solutions force businesses to purchase individual solutions in order to get the desired result. Like SSO, this can, of course, become expensive for businesses in terms of setup and implementation overhead as well as ongoing fees for continued use.
Mostly restricted to online applications
IAM covers a wide range of IT duties, making it a vast field. SSO is just a small part of IAM; in order to construct a comprehensive IAM solution, IT administrators must use a variety of technologies in addition to web app SSO. Users still require access to their devices (Mac, Windows, Linux), on-premises apps, VPNs, WiFi networks, file servers, and server infrastructure, among other things. When it comes to such IT resources, web application SSO is useless.
Demands extremely strong passwords
Although SSO only requires end users to remember one password, it is advisable that it be lengthy, intricate, and secure. While this typically improves identity security overall, it also increases the risk that a user will forget or compromise this password, negating the advantages of SSO.
All linked resources are vulnerable to attacks in the event that an SSO provider is compromised
Entire user bases will be affected if an attack targets an SSO provider because SSO is connected to numerous vital resources. If MFA isn’t being used, end users’ access to those apps could likewise be jeopardised if their SSO portal is compromised.
SSO needs to be configured and implemented
SSO is rarely “plug-and-play,” like many other IT solutions, thus IT administrators must invest the necessary time and energy to integrate and customise their SSO service for their company. Not only must the apps be set up, but integrating them with a third-party IdP might be difficult and complicated.
Computers with several uses are problematic
If a user forgets to log out, using an SSO solution in a shared computer environment (such as conference rooms) can create needless attack points.
Features of SSO
Protection
Several security features, such as MFA, risk-based authentication, and verified push, are available in an ideal SSO system to strengthen login. Administrators ought to be able to establish and implement access controls based on user groups, location, and device security posture. Ensuring that only authorised users have access to data and apps requires these functionalities.
Utilization ease
For SSO to be successful, administrators and end users including staff members, partners, and contractors should have a seamless experience. To reduce help desk expenses and increase productivity, the deployment must be rapid, management simple, and everyday operations smooth.
Hardware tokens, mobile authenticator apps, self-remediation options, and biometrics are SSO elements that can simplify without compromising security.
Integration
It should be possible for the SSO solution to integrate with your current online and client-based, cloud-based, and on-premises applications and infrastructure. It should be able to support several identity providers, such as Ping, Okta, and Microsoft, without requiring a whole system redesign.
For secure connections, SAML and OIDC must be enabled. This adaptability keeps your SSO solution compliant and useful if your infrastructure changes or new applications are deployed.
Support
Having high-quality support from your single sign-on supplier is essential for both a smooth rollout and resolving any potential problems. You may anticipate having access to an informed and helpful support staff that can help you set up and effectively handle issues.
Scalability
Your SSO software should be scalable so that it may grow with your company without compromising user experience or performance. For business implementation, pick an SSO solution that provides speedy scalability, robust service-level agreements (SLAs), and high availability and uptime.
For use cases that allow it, SSO security facilitates the switch to passwordless authentication and lessens the need for passwords in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) space. As adversary strategies and new cyberthreats appear, the SSO solution should adapt as well. Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and capability improvements when moving apps to SSO.
Read more on Different Types Of SSO, How Does It Work And It’s Importance