Explanation of terms

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication process in which users only have to log in once to be able to access multiple services or applications. A central provider verifies the identity and passes this confirmation on to other services.

Functionality

With SSO, the user authenticates themselves with a central identity provider (e.g. a social network). This confirms to the target application that the person is genuine - usually using an electronic signature based on cryptographic procedures. The application accepts this confirmation and grants access without the need for a separate password.

Advantages
  • Convenience: Only one login required for many applications
  • Less password stress: no large number of access data
  • Central administration: identity verification by a single provider
Risks
  • Single point of failure: If the central account is compromised, all linked accounts are at risk
  • Data protection: Central providers often collect and share extensive user data
  • Risk of misuse: access to sensitive accounts if security measures are missing

When does SSO make sense?

Single sign-on (SSO) is particularly useful in organizations with many applications, cloud services or user groups that regularly switch between systems.

Typical application scenarios are

  • Hybrid working environments in which employees access company resources from any location
  • Companies with high app usage, for example in sales, development or customer service
  • Customer portals where a consistent, smooth user experience is crucial
  • B2B collaborations that require federated identity management or secure partner access.

By introducing SSO, security risks can be reduced, IT costs lowered and user-friendliness and productivity increased at the same time.

Conclusion

Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies access to applications while strengthening security, efficiency and user experience.

Companies benefit from fewer password problems, lower IT costs and higher employee productivity.

In combination with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and risk-based authentication (RBA), SSO provides a secure and user-friendly basis for modern identity strategies.

Used correctly, SSO creates what digital identities need today: secure, fast and trustworthy access across systems, clouds and company boundaries.

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