Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO) streamlines secure access by allowing users to authenticate once and access multiple applications without re-entering credentials. By centralizing authentication via a trusted Identity Provider (IdP), SSO reduces password sprawl, improves user experience, and strengthens security with consistent policies across SaaS, cloud, and on premises applications. Integrated with MFA, risk-based controls, and Zero Trust principles, SSO becomes a cornerstone of modern identity security.

Core Capabilities

  • Standards-Based Federation

    • Support for SAML 2.0, OpenID Connect (OIDC), and OAuth 2.0 for broad app compatibility

    • Just-in-time (JIT) user provisioning and SCIM for automated lifecycle management

    • Cross-domain trust for seamless access across subsidiaries and partner ecosystems

  • Strong Authentication & Step-Up MFA

    • Integrations with OTP, push, FIDO2/WebAuthn, smart cards, and biometrics

    • Adaptive policies trigger MFA based on device posture, location, and behavior risk

    • Passwordless options reduce phishing risk and streamline access

  • Centralized Policy & Conditional Access

    • Role- and attribute-based access control (RBAC/ABAC) for granular authorization

    • Session management, token lifetime, and idle timeout policies per app or group

    • Device compliance checks and geofencing for Zero Trust enforcement

  • App Catalog & Broad Integrations

    • Pre-built connectors for major SaaS apps (Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace, ServiceNow, AWS, etc.)

    • Reverse proxy and header-based SSO for legacy or custom on prem apps

    • API gateways and service mesh integrations for microservices authentication

  • Visibility, Analytics & Governance

    • Centralized dashboards for sign-in activity, risk trends, and access anomalies

    • Audit trails for authentication events, policy changes, and administrative actions

    • Compliance reporting for GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, ISO 27001, and industry audits

Deployment & Architecture

  • Cloud IdP or Hybrid: Deploy fully cloud-based, on prem, or hybrid IdP to meet residency and latency needs
  • High Availability: Multi-region, load-balanced IdP and failover for business continuity
  • Directory Integration: Sync with AD/LDAP/Azure AD/HRIS for identities, groups, and attributes
  • Dev-Friendly: SDKs and APIs to embed OIDC/OAuth into custom apps and mobile clients

Security & Zero Trust Alignment

  • Continuous Authentication: Re-evaluate risk mid-session; apply step-up MFA on sensitive actions
  • Token Security: Short-lived tokens, refresh token rotation, and proof-of-possession (DPoP/MTLS) support
  • Phishing Resistance: Enforce FIDO2 passkeys and device-bound credentials; block legacy/basic auth
  • PAM & PKI Synergy: Pair SSO with PAM for privileged sessions and PKI for certificate-based auth

Business Benefits

  • Reduced Friction: One login to many apps increases productivity and user satisfaction
  • Lower IT Costs: Fewer password resets and simplified onboarding/offboarding via SCIM
  • Stronger Security: Consistent policies, adaptive MFA, and centralized monitoring reduce breach risk
  • Faster Rollouts: App catalog and templates accelerate new application integrations
  • Compliance-Ready: Unified logs and reporting streamline audits and governance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SSO lets users authenticate once with a trusted IdP, which issues standards-based tokens (SAML/OIDC). Apps validate these tokens, granting access without repeated logins, improving usability and security.

SSO centralizes policy enforcement and reduces password reuse. Combined with adaptive MFA, short-lived tokens, and device posture checks, it lowers phishing risk and closes gaps from inconsistent app-level controls.

Yes. Use reverse proxy, Kerberos/NTLM bridging, header-based auth, or OIDC/SAML adapters. Custom apps can integrate via OIDC/OAuth SDKs, while SCIM automates account provisioning and deprovisioning.

SSO provides identity assurance and context. Conditional access evaluates user, device, and location signals continuously, applying step-up MFA or blocking access when risk changes—key to Zero Trust.

Common integrations include AD/LDAP directories, HRIS for identity lifecycle, major SaaS apps via SAML/OIDC, PAM for privileged sessions, CASB/SWG for traffic control, and SIEM/SOAR for monitoring and response.