Modern-day companies have become highly reliant on web applications, cloud-based software, and other digital tools. Through these technologies, they gain cost-efficient automation that perfectly syncs with their database and devices. But along with mainstream adoption comes the ever-evolving cyber threats that organizations may face.
The shift to remote or hybrid work setups today has exposed most companies to several vulnerabilities. Over the course of the pandemic, there has been a significant surge in cybercrime cases, with a 300% increase in 2021 alone. Fortunately, using secure data solutions such as single sign-on (SSO) can prevent several security issues. The guide will briefly explain the technology and dive into its key benefits.
What is Single Sign-On?
Single sign-on (SSO) is a security system that enables users to access multiple applications through a single set of credentials. Compared to multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires you to pass multiple authentication factors, SSO can be a more convenient way to access your company’s systems.
When you securely log in to one of your applications, open authorization (OAuth) protocols validate that the login is secure. These programs will then exchange access tokens, a string of security credentials that contains all relevant information about a user’s identity, groups, and privileges. Through token-based authentication, SSO grants secure access to other applications or services within the network.
The Benefits of SSO
Adopting SSO into your cybersecurity strategy comes with many perks. For starters, having a unified ID and password removes friction between tasks for easily using applications. It also emphasizes the need to adopt strong password techniques and other best practices in cybersecurity, as the one password used at initial login must be strong. When you supplement SSO with other layers of authentication, here are the potential benefits you can gain:
1: Reduces password fatigue
By adopting SSO into your system, you eliminate the need to memorize multiple usernames and passwords combinations. At the same time, changing authorization codes and passwords can be done quickly – there’s only one, after all.
2: Centralized access to systems and resources
Through SSO, you give your company centralized control over your systems so that your IT team can grant privileges. Each employee has a single username and password combination to ease their login process, which can also be revoked at any time.
In turn, investing in SSO solutions will reduce the number of vulnerabilities in your system because users only gain access through one credential. Better individual protection for these accounts keeps your system safe in the process.
3: Boosts your overall productivity
Having a single login credential allows you and your employees to avoid unnecessary delays in your workflow. Instead of making your team wait for access, SSO solutions can make task switching seamless and efficient.
4: Lower threats of data breaches
Better password policies help reduce the number of possible threats that your business could face. By pairing SSO with other security measures, such as MFA and biometric authentication, you have peace of mind knowing that your resources are safe.
5: Maintains good cyber hygiene around passwords
Using SSO should motivate everyone in your team to adopt the best password protection strategies. With this in effect, your employees lessen the risk of losing their credentials, which may create issues within the organization.
6: Lowers cost for IT services
When your SSO solutions grant you better work efficiency, you waste less time and resources fixing password management problems. As a result, you can significantly lower the costs of your IT expenses and stay away from costly cyberattacks.
Drawbacks to Single Sign On
Ultimately, the biggest drawback that comes with adopting an SSO solution is that it creates a single point of failure. If a password is compromised, all associated systems are immediately placed at risk. However, by adding passwordless alternatives, such as the services offered by Q5id, you can make it hard for hackers to find vulnerabilities in your system. Guarding that initial login process with biometrics makes it exponentially harder for credentials to be stolen.
Protect Your Business from Breaches
Shifting online means that you must protect yourself from cybercriminals continuously looking to break into your system. As a means of protecting your data and the integrity of your business, you need to supplement yourself with the right security practices. Teaming up with Q5id will ensure that security threats are kept at bay. Contact us today to learn more!
