The Application of SSO Technology in Modern Business
Being in business today can require even the smallest of companies to deal with several login applications. When each login application requires a unique password, this can be a nightmare for users to remember. However, with the use of SSO technology, companies and their staff no longer have to worry about multiple passwords.
What is SSO technology? SSO is an acronym that stands for Single Sign On. SSO technology eases the user authentication process by allowing access to multiple passwords with just one login password. The use of SSO benefits companies in several ways, providing a cutting-edge access management system and identity, which synchronises a variety of applications. It has a user-friendly login process, making the login process simple and helping to bring the challenges of remembering multiple passwords to an end.
Among the many benefits of single sign on technology are improved productivity and security for your business, which we’ll look at here:
Productivity
One of the more tiresome routines in any business is the tedious login processes, especially when the company applies strict password policies. Single sign on technology makes it easier for workers to remember and use a single password. The unique password allows them to access multiple applications.
SSO technology helps your employees to be more efficient with their time. By eliminating the time lag that comes with failed logins, your staff may well find that they are able to be productive at work.
Security
SSO technology makes it easier for businesses to implement a strong password policy across their organisation, along with improved password control. Security administrators can quickly and easily modify or remove a user’s access as their position in the company changes, or should they leave the company. In this way, data is more easily accessible to those that entitled to it, and restricted for those that are not.
A users identity can be confirmed in several ways, beyond just passwords, including the use of smart cards, biometrics, and even Identity and Access Management (iam) software that you can get from somewhere like Fortinet. With the use of smart cards, a company will issue its employees with cards that has a memory chip fitted onto them. When logging in, the employee presents their card to a card reader at their workstation. The memory chip contains the information required to confirm their identity and give them access to the data and systems they require to do their job.
Smart cards offer additional security in that, unlike passwords, they cannot be guessed or used remotely – the smart card must physically be presented in the workplace for access to be granted. However, they can be subject to misuse if stolen, especially if they are used as a sole means of identification.
Biometrics use sensors which can read the user’s unique physical characteristics – for instance, they might take a reading of a user’s fingerprints or eyes. As such, use of biometrics can make an SSO application extremely secure, as only the intended user should ever be able to log in, using physical characteristics that are not shared with anyone else, and requiring them to be physically present at the biometric reader. Biometrics SSO applications are typically more expensive to implement, however, due to the cost of the technology involved, and so are typically only used by larger companies, and those to whom the security of their staff and / or customers is absolutely vital.
Identity and Access Management allows businesses to securely confirm the identity of any users that use their networks. By adding a second factor to the authentication process, as well as adding multiple other security features can help to make sure that only the right people have access to any online records and components.
Infographic created by Donnelley Financial Solutions, a data room provider
Share
