What does Single Sign-On (SSO) mean and how exactly does it work?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication method that allows users to log in once and then access multiple applications, services or systems without having to re-enter access data. It eliminates the need to enter a separate password for each system.
SSO simplifies access to systems and improves the user experience by reducing the number of logins required. At the same time, it increases security and facilitates the management of user data.
How does SSO work?
SSO is based on building trust between a central authentication authority (Identity Provider, IdP) and the various applications or services (Service Providers, SP).
- Central authentication: The user logs in once to the identity provider (e.g. Azure Active Directory, Okta).
- Session token: After successful authentication, the user receives a session token that is used for every subsequent application.
- Trust-based communication: The applications trust the IdP and verify the authentication via standardized protocols such as SAML, OAuth, or OpenID Connect.
What are typical SSO protocols?
- SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): Commonly used in enterprise environments to connect to web applications.
- OAuth 2.0: Enables authorized access to resources without sharing passwords.
- OpenID Connect (OIDC): Extension of OAuth 2.0 for user identification.
What are the advantages of an SSO solution?
- Users only need to remember a single password, which reduces the likelihood of passwords being forgotten or written down.
- Reduces the number of logins to different systems, which increases productivity.
- Centralized authentication enables strict control of security policies (e.g. password complexity and multi-factor authentication (MFA)).
- Minimizes phishing risks as users enter fewer credentials.
- If credentials are compromised, access to all systems can be quickly blocked by centralized control.
- Administrators can manage user rights centrally and apply changes immediately to all systems.
- Simplified provisioning and deactivation of access, e.g. for new hires or employee changes.
- Fewer support requests in connection with password resets.
- Lower administration costs through automation and centralized systems.
- Supports a variety of standards such as SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect, which enables easy integration with cloud and on-premise applications.
- Promotes interoperability between heterogeneous systems.
- A centralized SSO system facilitates compliance with security standards and legal regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA or SOX.
- Provides detailed audit logs and reports on user activity.
Ideal for companies with a growing user base, as new applications can be easily integrated into the SSO system.
Keycloak - The open source SSO solution!
We have been using Keycloak in our projects for a long time. keycloak is an open source SSO and identity management solution that offers many advantages, especially for companies and developers who need flexible, scalable and secure authentication. Here are the key benefits:
Open-source and cost savings
- License-free: Keycloak is free and available under an open-source license (Apache License 2.0), making it a cost-effective alternative to commercial SSO solutions.
- Flexibility: The open source nature allows customization to specific requirements.
Support for standard protocols
- Keycloak supports modern authentication and authorization protocols:
- SAML 2.0
- OpenID Connect (OIDC)
- OAuth 2.0
- This enables easy integration with a wide range of applications, cloud services and APIs.
Ease of use and developer friendliness
- Easy setup: Keycloak provides an intuitive admin interface to configure users, roles, applications and policies.
- Developer tools: Software Development Kits (SDKs) and extensive REST APIs facilitate integration into applications.
What we offer!
We have been using Keycloak as an open source SSO solution in our projects for a long time. In addition to advice on setup and configuration, we also offer implementation and, if required, hosting and operation of the solution. SSO solutions are by nature classified as business-critical applications, which is why we recommend that you work with us to develop a maintenance concept.
- Consulting & conception
- Implementation & configuration
- Operation & maintenance
- Further development
