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 their credentials. 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 enhances security and simplifies the management of user data.
How does SSO work?
SSO is based on establishing trust between a central authentication authority (Identity Provider, IdP) and the various applications or services (Service Providers, SP).
- Centralized 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 authentication using standardized protocols such as SAML, OAuth, or OpenID Connect.
What are typical SSO protocols?
- SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): Frequently used in enterprise environments to connect to web applications.
- OAuth 2.0: Enables authorized access to resources without sharing passwords.
- OpenID Connect (OIDC): An extension of OAuth 2.0 for user identification.
What We Offer!
We have long relied on Keycloak as an open-source SSO solution in our projects. In addition to consulting on setup and configuration, we also offer implementation as well as, if needed, hosting and operation of the solution. SSO solutions are inherently business-critical applications, so we recommend that you work with us to develop a maintenance plan.
- Consulting & Design
- Implementation & Configuration
- Operation & Maintenance
- Further Development
What are the benefits of an SSO solution?
- Users only need to remember a single password, which reduces the likelihood that they will forget or write down their passwords.
- It reduces the number of logins required for different systems, which increases productivity.
- Centralized authentication enables strict enforcement of security policies (e.g., password complexity and multi-factor authentication (MFA)).
- It minimizes the risks associated with phishing, as users enter fewer login credentials.
- If login credentials are compromised, access to all systems can be quickly blocked through centralized control.
- Administrators can centrally manage user permissions and apply changes immediately to all systems.
- Simplified provisioning and deactivation of user accounts, such as when hiring new employees or when employees leave the company.
- Fewer support requests related to password resets.
- Lower administrative costs through automation and centralized systems.
- Supports a wide range of standards, such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect, enabling easy integration with cloud-based and on-premises applications.
- Promotes interoperability between heterogeneous systems.
- A centralized SSO system makes it easier to comply with security standards and legal regulations such as the GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX.
- It 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’ve been relying on 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
- No licensing fees: 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: Its open-source nature allows for customization to meet 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 variety of applications, cloud services, and APIs.
User-Friendly and Developer-Friendly
- Easy setup: Keycloak offers an intuitive admin interface for configuring users, roles, applications, and policies.
- Developer tools: Software Development Kits (SDKs) and comprehensive REST APIs make it easy to integrate with applications.
