I am sure quite a few of you can relate to this issue...  While working on multiple domain legacy applications in the organization, in most cases, you are required to provide credentials while switching applications.

Help is on the way with Single sign-on (SSO) technology offering you an easy fix to a time-consuming activity.

Single sign-on (SSO) allows you to access the control of multiple related, yet independent, software systems. With this property a user logs in with a single ID and password to gain access to any of several related systems. It is often accomplished by using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and stored LDAP databases on (directory) servers.

The increase in the number of users who believe in SSO has come a long way thanks to the wide-spread use of cloud technology, the frustration in keeping track of multiple login credentials and not to mention the increasing danger of account information being compromised.

It is an indisputable fact that, Single sign on (SSO) makes logging in to a platform, application or website quicker and easier, however you should understand both the advantages as well as disadvantages and cost factors before you take the call to implement it in your organisation.

 Advantages:

Ease of multi-factor authentication requirements:

With a larger number of employees availing of options such as bring-your-own-device (BYOD) as well as ‘work from anywhere’, it becomes easier for IT departments to manage authentication of devices and multi factor authentication that is needed for sensitive data.

Boost to productive times

the amount of time needed to remember a long list of passwords is eliminated with this process. Thus team members can get online faster and benefits from longer productive times soon add up positively.

Ease of off-boarding

With a streamlined system of handling user accounts, it is easier for the IT department to  complete offboarding activities and ensuring the integrity of the system.

Improved user experience

Consumers are no longer encumbered with the need to remember login details to access their account and services. With a speedy and simple login process, the consumer journey is more accomodating thereby leading to a higher conversion of visitors to customers.

Reduction in help desk workload

There will be a drastic reduction in users calling in for password reset requests. this will help reduce the help desk workload to a great extent, thereby freeing them to handle other critical problems.

Challenges

Password security

Primary among the challenges that face implementation of SSO is the problem of ensuring password security. It is important for users to choose strong passwords. However, most of them tend to overlook this critical aspect which could lead to accounts being hacked.

One way to deal with this problem is to have 2 factor authentication. This will allow some measure of control over the account if the password is compromised.

Outages

In case there is a problem with the provider, all users will be locked out. They will be unable to access their account till the issue is resolved.

Multi- user machines

In the case of multi- user machines, working with SSO might not be a good option as other users cannot login when someone else is logged in.

All things considered, implementation of SSO can offer a wide range of benefits for organizations that work in these parameters. Analyzing all the pros and cons is the first step in taking a decision that could help improve performance.