Single Sign-On and the Benefits to Productivity

Mike Spenceley, Associate Services Consultant at Securience, explains how Single Sign-On (SSO) transforms productivity and security for organisations. Let’s explore the benefits of SSO, its role in improving access management, and why businesses should consider its implementation.

The Daily Login Struggle

Starting the workday often involves dealing with delays, traffic, or simply shaking off the morning chill. After overcoming these hurdles, employees face another time-consuming challenge: logging into multiple applications and websites to get started. Complex passwords and stringent security protocols further complicate this process, eating into valuable time that could be spent on more productive tasks.

Enter Single Sign-On (SSO), a solution that streamlines access and minimises login fatigue. By allowing users to log in once and gain access to multiple systems, SSO simplifies daily workflows and enhances both productivity and security.

What Is SSO?

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a system that enables secure access to multiple applications using a single set of credentials. Once users log in to one platform, they are automatically verified across participating systems, eliminating the need for repeated logins.

For example, after signing into Microsoft Office 365, users can seamlessly access linked applications like SharePoint, SAP, and JIRA without re-entering credentials.

SSO operates on standards like SAML (used for exchanging credential validation information between systems) and OAuth (used for granting limited access without sharing passwords). Both play crucial roles in providing a smooth, secure experience for end-users.

Benefits of Implementing SSO

1. Boosting Productivity:
   With SSO, employees log in once and instantly access the tools they need. This eliminates the constant interruptions of re-entering passwords, giving workers more time to focus on core tasks. A hospital study found that SSO saved staff hours and cut costs, resulting in millions of dollars in potential savings.
2. Reducing Login Fatigue:
   Juggling multiple passwords can be overwhelming, leading to forgotten credentials and helpdesk calls. SSO minimises this burden by reducing the number of logins required, creating a smoother experience for users.
3. Lower IT Support Costs:
   Password-related issues account for up to 20% of helpdesk requests. By consolidating logins, SSO reduces these calls, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic priorities rather than resetting passwords.
4. Enhanced Security Measures:
   SSO improves security by detecting suspicious activities, such as brute force attacks. Features like anomaly detection can block unauthorised access attempts and notify security teams in real time.
5. Improved User Experience:
   Seamless access across platforms improves employee satisfaction and reduces frustration, leading to a more engaged workforce.

SSO Across Domains with Federated Identity

While SSO typically works within a single domain (e.g., logging into Google automatically signs you into Gmail and YouTube), federated identity systems expand its capabilities.

With federated identity, users can log into applications across different domains through trusted partnerships between systems. For example, logging into a Google account could also grant access to applications hosted on another domain. This cross-domain functionality further streamlines access with SSO, improving convenience for users.

Addressing SSO Security Challenges

Although SSO simplifies access, it can introduce risks if not paired with additional safeguards. A breach of a single credential could grant attackers access to all linked systems. However, these risks can be mitigated through:

• Multifactor Verification (MFA): Adding a second layer of identity confirmation, such as a one-time code, ensures that even if passwords are compromised, attackers cannot gain access.
• Identity Governance Solutions: Integrating SSO with Identity and Access Management (IAM) allows organisations to control who can access specific applications. This ensures that even within an SSO framework, permissions are limited to approved users.
• Session Timeouts: Shorter sessions automatically log users out after periods of inactivity, reducing the risk of session hijacking.
• Input Validation: Protecting against vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks further strengthens SSO security.

Why SSO Enhances Productivity

SSO directly impacts efficiency by reducing the time spent logging into applications, freeing employees to focus on their work. Whether it’s resolving client issues or completing high-priority tasks, the time saved adds up.

Additionally, SSO implementation benefits extend to improving the overall user experience. Employees no longer need to remember multiple credentials or waste time resetting forgotten passwords. This leads to a happier, more productive workforce, ready to tackle challenges with fewer disruptions.

The Case for SSO in Business

From centralised identity verification systems to improved access control, SSO provides a host of advantages for organisations. It reduces login fatigue, enhances security, and boosts productivity—all while delivering a seamless user experience. For businesses seeking to optimise workflows and improve security, SSO solutions are an investment worth considering.

Able+ Cloud

Able+ Cloud is a cost effective, flexible and scalable Identity and Access Management Solution, which offers organisations of any size the chance to implement robust and secure IAM.

For more information on our Able+ IAM solution and how your organisation can save costs and improve productivity through SSO, please visit our Able+ web page or book a consultation with us directly.