SSO
Definition
Single Sign-On - an authentication system that enables users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications seamlessly, enhancing user experience.
Use Cases
- Google: Giving users one login across consumer services such as Gmail, Drive, YouTube, and other Google properties — Google uses a centralized identity system so one authenticated Google account session can be reused across multiple applications and domains (Users sign in once instead of managing separate credentials for each service, which improves convenience and reduces password fatigue)
- Microsoft: Providing employees and customers with one identity across Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive — Microsoft Entra ID acts as the central identity provider and issues authentication tokens that trusted applications accept (Organizations get simpler access management, fewer password-related support requests, and more consistent security controls like MFA and conditional access)
- Salesforce: Allowing enterprise customers to connect Salesforce to their corporate identity provider so employees can access CRM without a separate password — Salesforce supports federation standards such as SAML and OpenID Connect, enabling customers to use their existing identity platform for SSO (Companies can centralize user lifecycle management and improve security by enforcing login policies from one place)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: AWS IAM Identity Center
- Azure: Microsoft Entra ID
- GCP: Cloud Identity
- OCI: OCI Identity and Access Management
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between SSO and MFA?
- SSO and MFA solve different problems. SSO lets a user log in once and then access multiple applications without signing in again to each one. MFA adds extra verification steps, such as a code or biometric check, to make login more secure. In practice, many organizations use them together: users sign in once through SSO, and MFA protects that main login.
- When should I use SSO?
- Use SSO when people need access to multiple applications and you want a simpler, more secure login experience. It is especially useful for businesses using many SaaS tools, internal web apps, or multiple cloud platforms. SSO is a strong fit when you want centralized access control, easier onboarding and offboarding, and fewer password reset requests.
- How much does SSO cost?
- SSO costs vary based on the identity provider, number of users, advanced security features, and integration complexity. Some cloud platforms include basic SSO capabilities in broader identity services, while enterprise features such as conditional access, lifecycle automation, and advanced reporting may require paid tiers. There are also indirect costs for setup, app integration, and ongoing administration.
Category: security
Difficulty: intermediate
Related Terms
See Also